How the U.S. construction industry is responding to climate change
Source：The New York Times
From：Taiwan Trade Center, New York
Update Time：2023/12/13
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The construction and operation of buildings contribute significantly to global carbon dioxide emissions, which has led the construction industry to increase its focus on sustainability in recent years. Governments are imposing energy use and greenhouse gas emission restrictions on buildings, while tech companies are leveraging automation and robotics for more sustainable construction. After digging into New York City’s Local Law 97, the cornerstone of former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Climate Mobilization Act that will go into effect in 2024, this article will introduce some of the most innovative sustainable building projects and solutions in the U.S.
To cut emissions and energy use in new construction, governments are weighing both regulations and incentives. According to the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, about 147 bills to reduce carbon emissions from buildings have been introduced in 24 states just this year. Among them is New York City’s Local Law 97. As part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing the city's carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, this law mandates that any building exceeding 25,000 square feet in New York City must adhere to new energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission standards. Failure to comply will result in annual fines, which are substantial: $268 per metric ton of carbon dioxide emissions exceeding the designated limit. According to estimates, these fines could potentially reach up to $200 million per year for some buildings. This regulatory framework consists of a two-tier process, with initial caps set to take effect in 2024, followed by even stricter standards in 2030, where fines could escalate to $900 million annually for non-compliant buildings.
In New York City, a growing number of residential projects are receiving the “Passive House” certification: a climate-focused stamp of approval granted to insulated buildings that have significantly reduced their energy consumption by up to 75% compared to those around them. “Charlotte of the Upper West Side” is one of New York City’s 65 Passive Houses. This seven-unit, low-energy luxury condo building features four panes of triple-glazed glass that act as a thermal cushion on the building’s windows and a facade lined with terra-cotta baguettes that regulates interior temperatures in even the most extreme weather.
Many creative ideas to combat climate change in the built environment are being rolled out. To name just a few companies, Logical Buildings, Veev, Eco Material Technologies, HIVE 3D, Plants, and Hempstone have all successfully made their way into the emerging “sustainable building” market. Using a custom app and new smart meters from Con Edison, Logical Buildings collaborates with owners of both private homes and multifamily buildings to reduce energy usage. Veev creates prefabricated closed walls with electrical, piping, and heating and cooling elements already inside. They arrive ready to be assembled, cutting carbon emissions in the construction process by up to 50%. Eco Material Technologies and HIVE 3D are manufacturing near-zero-carbon 3D-printed houses in Texas, using a proprietary cement mixture that can be produced with 92% lower emissions than traditional concrete. Plantd is developing building materials from perennial grass, while Hempstone is utilizing a combination of hemp and lime to create sustainable insulation for buildings in New England. Additionally, straw bale construction is becoming more and more popular in California, offering superior fire protection and thermal insulation compared to traditional materials.
L. Carl Fiocchi, a senior lecturer in the Building and Construction Technology Program at the University of Massachusetts, notes that on a national scale, the construction and real estate industries have been slow to address climate change. However, he remains optimistic about the potential for change at the local level. He believes that the multiplication of local regulations across American cities could significantly reduce the industry's carbon footprint and inspire states to adopt these codes.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/20/realestate/building-construction-emissions-climate-change.html#:~:text=13-,As%20the%20Climate%20Changes%2C%20Pressure%20Is%20Growing%20to%20Make%20Buildings,energy%20use%20in%20new%20construction.