Building decarbonization is becoming more common, but it is still not widespread. Less than 1% of buildings in the world are currently zero-carbon. However, there is a growing movement to decarbonize buildings, and many countries and cities have set ambitious targets for reducing emissions from buildings. Many architects in California are committed to decarbonizing buildings and hitting the goal of zero-carbon emissions by 2030. Join them to collaborate and promote your firm’s goal of decarbonization.
Building decarbonization is the process of reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide emissions from buildings. It is a key strategy for mitigating climate change, as CO2 is the main greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.
Benefits of Building Decarbonization
Building decarbonization leads to several environmental and economic benefits for businesses, including:
- Lower energy costs: Decarbonizing buildings can help to lower energy costs by improving energy efficiency and switching to renewable energy sources.
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Decarbonizing buildings can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is a major contributor to climate change. Commercial buildings contribute 25% of total greenhouse gas emissions in California. By reducing the carbon emissions associated with the operation and use of facilities, we can help to mitigate the impact of climate change and protect the planet for future generations.
- Improved air quality and public health: Burning fossil fuels to heat, cool, and power buildings is a major source of air pollution. Decarbonizing buildings can help to improve air quality, reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses and other health problems.
- Enhanced reputation and brand image: The sociopolitical pressure to “go green” is stronger than ever before. Businesses that decarbonize their buildings can enhance their reputation and brand image, thereby growing business in the long term.
- Reduced exposure to risk: Decarbonization helps reduce the company’s exposure to risk. It’s in the best interest of any business to construct a highly sustainable building that will last for generations to come.
Government Incentives
There are a number of government incentives available to help businesses decarbonize their buildings. These incentives can include tax breaks, grants, and loans. In California, some of the available incentives include:
- California Energy Commission (CEC) Zero-Emission Building Credits: The CEC offers zero-emission building credits (ZEBs) to developers who meet certain energy efficiency and renewable energy requirements. ZEBs can be sold to other developers or used to offset the cost of building a ZEB.
- California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP): The CPUC offers incentives for businesses and homeowners who install on-site renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and solar water heaters.
- California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Sustainable Communities Grant Program: The HCD offers grants to help local governments implement sustainable community plans. These plans can include measures to decarbonize new buildings.
The CEDA program promotes the decarbonization of new building construction or major renovation projects. CEDA can help you to:
- Align your project goals with energy-efficiency options to maximize your energy savings and incentives.
- Receive a complimentary custom decarbonization analysis to identify and evaluate opportunities.
- Evaluate energy-efficiency options in the early phase of your major renovation project or new build.
- Work in collaboration with project teams to reduce energy demand, consumption, and carbon emissions.
Decarbonizing buildings is a complex but essential challenge. By taking steps to decarbonize our buildings, we can help to mitigate climate change, increase the lifespan of our buildings, and reduce overall costs. CEDA works in collaboration with project teams to reduce energy demand, consumption, and carbon emissions. Contact us today to learn how we can empower you for decarbonization.
