As the Advocacy Co-Chair of the USGBC MA Chapter, I participated in the Green Building Policy Forum at the Massachusetts State House this June. My remarks focused on Net Zero Energy (NZE); specifically its importance and a proposed NZE building code for the Commonwealth.
We cannot address climate change without addressing carbon pollution from the building sector, which contributes nearly half of U.S. CO2 emissions. Massachusetts has led the nation in energy efficiency over the last four years due in part to its energy efficiency building code. The Massachusetts building energy efficiency code is on track to significantly reduce energy use by 2030. This level of energy reduction will place buildings at an opportune level to become net zero energy buildings by supplying their energy with renewable sources.
At the June 30th hearing, the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy discussed several energy efficiency bills including S1771, “An Act Promoting Net Zero Energy Buildings in the Commonwealth.” Bill S1771 will put in place the framework for the building code to take the next step in 2030 for commercial buildings (2020 for residential) towards net zero energy. Zero net energy buildings are more resilient, cost less to operate, and drive innovation and jobs creation. The USGBC MA Chapter and our coalition partners testified on this bill as well as a few others. Check out the Advocacy section of the USGBC MA Chapter website to find out more.
Topics: Sustainability