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RMI Adopts the "2030 Challenge" |
by Cameron M. Burns Your home. Your office. The local supermarket. The kids' school.
They seem benign enough, and we tend not to think of our built world the same way we think of our cars and trucks and factories—as great, pollution-spewing beasts. But buildings consume roughly 40 percent of all the energy consumed in the United States and they're responsible for about 40 percent of greenhouse gases emissions. The tailpipes are just farther away. Rocky Mountain Institute has been working on building-energy consumption long before our passive-solar Headquarters in Snowmass, Colorado was completed in 1984. Our staff has helped green up hundreds of big developments and individual buildings—from the White House to city skyscrapers. We even helped establish the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building standard, back in the early 1990s when "green building" was a relatively unknown term. But in July, Rocky Mountain Institute took a big step and embraced an initiative called the 2030 Challenge, formally adopting it for all future green building work. The 2030 Challenge is the brainchild of architect Edward Mazria, AIA, senior principal at Mazria Inc. Odems Dzurec in Santa Fe. Mr. Mazria launched the Challenge in early January, as a combination web-based rallying cry and online resource for designers. Specifically, the Challenge addresses greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil-fuel-based energy. It calls for all new buildings and renovations to be designed carbon-neutral—meaning their operations will release zero carbon dioxide into the atmosphere—by the year 2030. The buildings will either use no fossil-fuel-generated energy or their operators will offset their emissions through the purchase of certified carbon dioxide reductions or sequestrations elsewhere. Before 2030 and carbon neutrality, however, the Challenge outlines interim emissions reduction targets. It calls for a minimum 50 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions* for new construction and renovation projects immediately; for a 60 percent reduction in emissions by 2010; for a 70 percent reduction by 2015; for an 80 percent by 2020; for a 90 percent reduction by 2025—and then, of course, the ultimate goal: carbon-neutral buildings by 2030. Victor Olgyay, AIA, a Principal with RMI's Built Environment Team said the Challenge is not a result of designers' frustrations with the LEED system, but rather that it adds another dimension and complements the many evaluation systems already in use. He also acknowledged that meeting the 2030 Challenge will turn some green-building clients off. "We have already seen some pushback from clients," he said. "I think this is healthy, especially as people try to understand what this level of performance entails for them. Most people I have spoken with are excited about trying to achieve the 2030 Challenge and are coming to RMI because we can deliver extra-high-performance buildings. However, some don't see why they should change from business as usual—in fact, this is where the real excitement of this proposal lies! These 'status quo' people are the ones who will really make a difference when they discover that it is not painful, and may even be profitable, to make a significant difference—and the bar will be raised." Victor also noted that getting to 50 percent (or 100 percent) carbon reduction is something that is within reach of all designers and builders—the only requirement is commitment. "If you don't have the design, use money," he said. "If you don't have money, use design. If you don't have either, you aren't committed." He also pointed out that because there are so many carbon reduction methods, there is one to suit every situation. "Of course not everyone will join the parade, but that is the cost of taking a stand," Victor added. "I believe that we are pointing to a greater good, and eventually—perhaps sooner rather than later—our client load will increase because people will see the added value of accepting the 2030 Challenge." Since its launch, several other organizations have accepted the Challenge and made it an operating dictum. In December, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) endorsed the Challenge, and started encouraging its members to strive for a reduction of energy use in all new and renovated buildings. In June, the 2030 Challenge won backing from the U.S. Conference of Mayors, which approved the 2030 Challenge for their cities' buildings. RMI announced adoption of the Challenge at the American Solar Energy Society's "Solar 2006" annual conference in July. For more information about the 2030 Challenge and the building sector, visit: www.architecture2030.org and www.advancedbuildings.net/index.htm 2030 Challenge Carbon Dioxide Reductions Goals 2030 Challenge Carbon Dioxide Reductions Goals for all new and renovated buildings:
The 2030 Challenge in Practice 1. Good Design: We start with all the normal green-design practices: building orientation, energy analysis, shading, daylighting, high-performance glazing, insulation, efficient mechanical systems, etc. This is often "free" as part of good, responsible design, and can get to 50 percent (carbon reduction). If, for some reason, this is not enough... 2. Add Technology: Photovoltaics, solar hot water, fuel cells, micro-hydro, wind, geo-exchange, etc. Any of the suite of low-carbon on-site renewable energy-generation technologies can be employed. These offset utility-produced electricity, and have all the added benefits of distributed generation. If, for some reason, this is not enough... 3. Buy It: Utility-generated wind power, "green E" power, tradable energy certificates, carbon offsets, etc. This is an emerging market that is very exciting and available to all. —Victor Olgyay |
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