The need to achieve energy efficiency and improve performance propels a lot of business in the HVAC industry. When installing systems, building owners often strive to comply with the latest voluntary standards. However, some cities are taking the lead to make building performance standards mandatory, thus providing additional incentive for customers to invest in new, more efficient and climate-friendly HVAC technologies.
Building Energy Performance Standard
NYC has deployed its Carbon Mobilization Act, which will cut six million tons of CO2 annually by 2020
Washington D.C. adopted the first Building Energy Performance Standard, which will reduce energy use in buildings by more than 20%, thereby lowering carbon dioxide emissions by a million tons annually. The first compliance cycle in 2021 will cover buildings of 50,000 square feet, and the threshold will drop over the next few years to include smaller buildings.
New York has deployed its Carbon Mobilization Act, which will cut six million tons of carbon dioxide annually by 2020, thus preventing 43 premature deaths and 107 emergency room visits every year, and creating at least 26,700 green jobs, according to New York City officials.
Clean Buildings Act
Washington State projects that its 2019 legislative package, the Clean Buildings Act, will reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 14 million tons by 2035.
“Jurisdictions are looking to Building Performance Standards because they are the most powerful and direct tool for driving improved performance in existing buildings,” said Cliff Majersik, Executive Director of the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT), a non-profit organization that promotes energy efficiency, green building and environmental protection.
Fighting climate change
IMT is promoting the use of Building Performance Standards (BPS) and working with cities to explore, develop and execute the policies. Fighting climate change at the local level means taking serious steps to reduce carbon emissions generated by buildings, which include shifting to mandatory policies.
A powerful new tool in the fight against climate change is the mandatory Building Energy Performance Standard
A powerful new tool in the fight against climate change is the mandatory Building Energy Performance Standard, which requires building owners to meet performance targets by actively improving the energy performance of their buildings over time. By setting long-term targets, a BPS provides the commercial real estate market with the certainty it needs to make confident investments in properties over time.
Energy-efficient HVAC systems in buildings
A BPS also provides flexibility for building owners to use whatever technologies, including HVAC products and systems, along with whatever operational strategies they decide are most effective and economical to meet the target. Leveraging technology advancements in the HVAC industry can contribute positively to a building owner’s ability to meet the target.
According to IMT, benefits of Building Performance Standards include:
- Carbon reductions, especially in existing buildings.
- Job creation, including large opportunities for the expansion of private firms offering architectural, engineering, construction, equipment sales, and installation services (including HVAC).
- Economic and social benefits, including healthier air quality for occupants, lower carbon emissions, and lower utility bills that benefit the bottom line of local companies.
American Cities Climate Challenge
IMT is driving the BPS initiative in partnership with the American Cities Climate Challenge, sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies, which is an opportunity for 25 ambitious cities to significantly deepen and accelerate their efforts to tackle climate change and promote a sustainable future for their residents. Originally open to 20 American cities, the program was expanded to 25 cities due to the strength of the applications received.
The goal of the American Cities Climate Challenge is to enable mayors and their partners to scale and implement proven climate solutions and innovations that will help grow the economy, protect public health and improve the quality of life for citizens.