We Are the Climate Problem and We Are the Solution
The climate crisis is not a distant, abstract issue; it is deeply intertwined with every aspect of our daily lives. The phrase "you’re not in traffic, you are traffic" aptly captures this interconnectedness. Similarly, carbon is not a separate entity affecting us from afar—it is a fundamental part of every action we take. To address climate change effectively, we need to understand and reduce our carbon footprint across all areas of life, including the built environment.
Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment
Just as conscientious consumers choose whole foods that are organic and sustainably sourced to nourish their bodies and their families, we must apply the same principles to our building materials. This means focusing on reducing the carbon burden of our buildings by considering embodied carbon—the total carbon emissions generated throughout the lifecycle of a material.
Innovative Solutions
One practical step is to request Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for building materials and select those with the lowest carbon dioxide equivalent (COE).
Another, more recent and innovative solution, is to divert recycled glass from city waste streams and repurpose it into ground glass, which can be used as a substitute for cement in concrete mixtures. Currently, concrete accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions. The ground glass method maintains the structural integrity of cement while reducing the carbon burden associated with processing cement at high temperatures. Additionally, obtaining Energy Star certification for cement plants and transitioning steel production from coal-fired methods to electric arc furnaces can further decrease carbon emissions. Minimizing the use of cement altogether by using alternative building materials can lead to more sustainable construction practices and significantly lower the carbon footprint of new and renewed developments.
If you’re not clear on why we care about dramatically reducing carbon emissions from buildings, here is a short and funny video that explains it well.
When additional carbon emissions are unavoidable in building construction, purchasing carbon offsets can help mitigate the environmental impact. Options include planting trees, buying protected land and forests, and investing in renewable energy sources.
Recapturing and Reusing Materials
Recapturing existing materials that are still structurally sound can significantly reduce the need for new resources. Projects like the Boston Deconstruction initiative demonstrate the potential of salvaging materials from old buildings for reuse in new construction. This not only preserves the materials' structural integrity but also reduces the overall carbon footprint of the building process. Plus, who doesn’t love the look of old buildings? And that handcrafted antique furniture holds more meaning and value than mass-produced, modern plastic products that are disposable in nature and embody only carbon and no personal significance.
We are both the problem and the solution to the climate crisis. By making informed choices about the materials we use, the products we consume, and the ways we build, we can reduce our carbon footprint and pave the way for a more sustainable future. Every action counts, and together, we can drive meaningful change in the fight against climate change.
The Draft Massachusetts 2025-2027 Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization Plan
A recent Carbon & Energy roundtable hosted by Built Environment Plus focused on the Draft Massachusetts 2025-2027 Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization Plan, which outlines an ambitious and forward-thinking vision for the state’s energy future. Sponsored by Mass Save®, the discussion highlighted key accomplishments and future goals, emphasizing greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, equity, and improved customer experiences. The roundtable covered commercial construction, existing buildings, and a new focus on embodied carbon.
Key Accomplishments and Focus Areas
Mass Save® Initiative:
Energy Efficiency: Over the past years, the program has saved 15 terawatt hours of energy.
Decarbonization: The focus is shifting from general energy efficiency to specific decarbonization efforts for 2022-2024.
Existing Buildings: A significant gap remains in addressing existing buildings, which is now a primary focus.
Technological and Policy Advancements:
Building Management Systems (BMS): Emphasizing the importance of Building Management Systems (BMS) like EBCx in managing energy use efficiently.
NYSERDA’s Flex Tech Program: Providing incentives that cover up to 50% of costs to encourage the adoption of new technologies.
Heat Pumps and Weatherization: Continued emphasis on adopting heat pumps and improving building insulation and envelope.
Gas Equipment Phase-Out: The program will no longer offer incentives for new gas equipment.
Non-Energy GHGs: Addressing embodied carbon in materials and mitigating refrigerant leaks.
Streamlined Policies: Simplifying the statewide vendor procurement process and enhancing policies and technology to better support decarbonization.
Workforce and Community Initiatives:
Main Streets Program: Aimed at supporting small businesses with a focus on equity and access.
Workforce Development: Preparing and training a diverse workforce to support new technologies and decarbonization efforts.
Supplier and Workforce Diversity: Ensuring diversity in suppliers and the workforce involved in these projects.
Focus on Schools: Special initiatives targeting energy efficiency in schools.
Equity Communities: More than doubling the focus on communities that have been historically underserved.
ASHRAE and BERDO: Using tools like ASHRAE and BERDO to measure the social cost of carbon and cost calculators to evaluate the broader impact of projects.
While this decarbonization plan and those who choose to invest in these initiatives will have their implementation challenges, just like any project; detailed planning and preparation are essential for project success. By engaging with general contractors or construction managers early, teams will gain access to valuable feedback and accurate cost estimates. Staying focused on the scope of the project and the steps needed to achieve the project goals is the most important, rather than focusing on the end goals themselves. For example, if full electrification to replace gas energy is too cumbersome or costly, then the goal to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency can be accomplished through partial electrification instead, such as simply installing air heat pumps. This can be 70-80% less expensive than going all in. Costs for electrification projects can range from $14 to $280 per square foot, depending on the building type.
For the Design Community:
The importance of master planning and looking ahead to long-term strategy, that includes the consideration of the end-of-life of equipment and materials, is crucial. Utilizing shared resources - since we’re all in this together - to track and collaborate on carbon reduction and energy efficiency projects will create efficiencies and help us all obtain our goals faster and with greater impact. As you know, new building codes will require significant upgrades to building envelopes, promoting better insulation and energy efficiency.
The Draft Massachusetts 2025-2027 Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization Plan sets a robust path forward, emphasizing comprehensive efforts to reduce GHG emissions, improve energy efficiency, and ensure equitable access to these benefits. By focusing on existing buildings, adopting new technologies, and engaging diverse communities, Massachusetts aims to lead the way in sustainable energy practices. Will you join them?
