BUILDINGS AND ENERGY USE
Over the past months, we’ve considered two components of the two-city climate action planning process. This month it’s Buildings and Energy Use.
Some still doubt that the time to transition away from fossil fuels is upon us. But with the peril of the planet and humankind hanging in balance, can we afford to wait longer to aggressively adopt renewable fuels for heating our homes and powering our vehicles? The cost of renewable energies is now lower than coal, gas, and oil. So, rather than subsidizing fossil fuels for $5.3 trillion a year, wouldn’t we be better off subsidizing alternatives?
BRIGHT IDEA : Join the renewable energy revolution!
Ideally, our homes would be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Buildings account for 40% of global energy-related CO2. An efficient, well-insulated and ventilated building is good for us and the climate. New advances have raised the bar on energy efficiency.
Consider your immediate surroundings. If you’re a homeowner or landlord, is your building…
- Well insulated and using energy as efficiently as possible?
- In need of better windows, window inserts, or a heat pump?
- Suitably oriented for roof top solar?
BRIGHT IDEA : Have an energy appraisal and check out Efficiency Maine’s rebate program.
There are many ways of lowering energy costs while reducing carbon emissions. Think of…
- Lowering your thermostat and hot water heater or getting a smart thermostat.
- Dressing in layers and putting on extra clothing in the winter.
- Advocating for policies that encourage energy efficiency in new construction and remodeling.
A 2016 Portland ordinance requires owners of some 200 buildings to report data on their energy consumption so that efficiency upgrades can be made. Living with less reliance on fossil fuels means using energy sources that are continuously regenerated.
“The goal is not to build a few gigantic green solutions, but to infinitely multiply smaller ones that encourage multiplication rather than consolidation” -Naomi Klein
No one, no government, no organization is about to magically solve this problem for us. So come on, folks, let’s stand up to the plate and do this!
Bright Ideas is brought to you by Portland Climate Action Team which meets the last Thursday of the month, 6 to 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. FMI: portlandclimateaction@gmail.com.
