California is committed to decarbonizing its economy by 2045. Senate Bill 100 sets a 2045 goal of powering all retail electricity sold in California and state agency electricity needs with renewable and zero-carbon resources. This means that all electricity in California would come from sources such as solar and wind power, which do not emit greenhouse gasses.
As part of this effort, legislators have proposed the California Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan to make all new buildings in the state sustainable by 2030. The plan includes a number of measures, such as requiring all new commercial construction to be zero-net energy, using more renewable energy in buildings, and improving energy efficiency. The plan is expected to have a significant impact on the construction industry. It will require builders to adopt new technologies and practices, and it will likely lead to higher costs for new construction. However, the plan is also seen as an opportunity to create jobs and boost the economy.
Zero-Net Energy
Zero-net energy buildings produce as much energy as they consume on an annual basis. This can be achieved through a combination of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy generation.
Sustainable Buildings Practices
Buildings can become more sustainable by adopting various measures. For example, using energy-efficient appliances and lighting, installing solar panels or other renewable energy systems, improving insulation and air sealing, and incorporating intelligent design to maximize natural light and ventilation.
A recent report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) states that energy efficiency policies have strengthened globally in the past year. Countries representing over 70% of the world’s energy consumption have introduced new or strengthened efficiency policies since the start of the global energy crisis.
Legislators as Catalysts for Decarbonizing California
Legislators play a pivotal role in advancing sustainability in construction by enacting laws that promote energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption. They can also incentivize businesses to make their buildings more sustainable. SB 100 is a significant step forward in California’s efforts to address climate change. It is the first state law in the nation to set a 100 percent clean energy goal. The law is expected to create jobs, boost the economy, and improve air quality.
Navigating Challenges
There are a number of challenges to making buildings more sustainable. Some of these challenges include:
- The upfront cost of making a building more sustainable can be high.
- There is a lack of skilled labor available to build and maintain sustainable buildings.
- There is a lack of awareness of the benefits of sustainable buildings among businesses.
Making your building more sustainable can be a challenging task, but it is worth it. Sustainable buildings can save you money on energy costs, improve your indoor air quality, and reduce your environmental impact. There are also a number of financial and technical assistance programs available to help businesses make their buildings more sustainable.
CEDA’s Role in Decarbonizing California
CEDA offers a variety of financial assistance programs to help businesses make their buildings more sustainable. These programs help cover the cost of making energy efficiency upgrades, installing renewable energy systems, and other sustainable building measures. Furthermore, CEDA provides technical assistance to businesses interested in making their buildings more sustainable. This assistance can help with everything from planning and design to implementation and monitoring.
CEDA actively educates businesses about the benefits of sustainable building and the resources available to assist. This includes providing information on sustainable building practices, financial assistance programs, and technical assistance. CEDA advocates for sustainable building policies at the state level, working to promote the adoption of sustainable building codes and standards and providing funding for research and development of sustainable building technologies.
Looking to make your building more sustainable? CEDA can help you assess your options and find the financial assistance programs that are right for you! Contact CEDA today to learn more.
