Report Recommends Steps to Stimulate Energy-efficiency Projects
The New York-based World Economic Forum has released a report that recommends practical steps government leaders can take to stimulate in- vestments in energy-efficiency upgrades in existing commercial buildings. The report titled, “A Profitable and Resource Efficient Future: Catalysing Retrofit Finance and Investing in Commercial Real Estate,” describes the critical role banks, insurance companies, institutional investors, utili- ties, energy service companies and real-estate holders need to play in unlocking the potential of the retrofit market, which has been estimated at $400 billion in the U.S. alone. ¶ One of the report’s key recommen- dations is a government-mandated, standardized energy-consumption reporting and efficiency rating system for buildings. When combined with additional policies, such as tax incentives, loan guarantees or credit enhancements, the information generated by such a reporting and rating system can help would-be investors make better-informed decisions to invest in energy-efficiency projects. ¶ “As the world’s population swells to 9 billion people by 2050, more buildings will be built than ever before. The recommended actions can help countries reduce the amount of resources needed to fuel such growth, avoid exposure to the risks of resource scarcity and help spur economic growth,” says Robin Ried, senior community manager of the Infrastructure & Urban Development Industry at the World Economic Forum, and lead author of the report. Learn more at www.weforum.org.
STATS
• The commercial-building sector accounts for approximately 20 percent of energy usage in the U.S. // Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
• Lighting is the largest cost component of a building’s electricity bill, representing between 20 to 30 percent of the overall energy con- sumption. Energy usage from plug loads can account for an addition- al 15 to 20 percent in office buildings. // Source: Advanced Buildings
RETROFIT MARKET
EXPECTED TO GROW According to a new report from Boulder, Colo.-based Pike Research, the global retrofit market will expand from $80.3 billion in 2011 to $151.8 billion by 2020. North American energy- efficiency revenues will more than double during the remainder of the decade, increasing to $35.3 billion by 2020. ¶ “Retrofitting existing buildings offers one of the most cost-effective ways for a business to reduce its operating expenses,” says Senior Analyst Eric Bloom. “Many energy-conservation mea- sures can be implemented within strict investment criteria, and a growing number of financial instru- ments are deepening the scope of energy-efficiency retrofits, driving continued investment in energy- efficient HVAC, lighting and control systems.” ¶ Pike Research’s re- port, “Energy Efficiency Retrofits for Commercial and Public Buildings,” examines the global market land- scape for energy-efficiency retrofits in commercial and public buildings. The report covers key industry drivers by world region, including regulatory, policy and market-based factors, as well as economic con- siderations. An executive summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website, www.pikeresearch.com.
American High-Performance Buildings Coalition Is Formed More than 27 associations representing a wide range of interests in the building and construction industry have announced the formation of the American High-Performance Buildings Coalition (AHPBC). The organizations have come together to promote and support the development of sustainable building standards, which are based on consensus and scientific performance data. ¶ “As energy efficiency and building performance become increasingly important priorities for the public and private sectors, green- building standards and rating systems should be based on the best available data, gathered from a range of stakeholders with relevant expertise. This coali- tion brings together industry leaders with an incredible range of relevant expertise in manufacturing, material science and building performance who will work to bring needed perspectives to this important work. The coalition will advocate for performance- and consensus-based standards for green building, which are the best way to achieve exceptional energy-efficiency,” says Steve Russell, vice president of plastics for the American Chemistry Council, Wash- ington, D.C. ¶ The coalition will provide critical experience and expertise to the development of green-building standards and will support performance- based building codes, standards and rating systems developed in conformance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ANSI-accredited systems recognize transparency, balance of interests represented and consensus decision-making. For the complete list of coalition members and more information, visit www.betterbuildingstandards.com.