Benchmarking seeks to improve Milwaukee buildings’ energy efficiency
Benchmarking to help Milwaukee buildings' energy efficiency Spectrum News 1
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Milwaukee’s Initiative to Improve Building Energy Performance
Introduction to Efficient Building Benchmarking Program
The Environmental Collaboration Office of Milwaukee is taking significant steps to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings within the city. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7 which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
Key Points of the Benchmarking Program
- Benchmarking involves monitoring a building’s energy output to improve efficiency.
- Milwaukee has implemented benchmarking for municipal buildings since 2009 and is now extending it citywide.
- Commercial and multi-family buildings over 50,000 square feet are mandated to track and report energy usage.
- Johnson Controls offers assistance to maximize building energy performance.
Community Engagement and Program Details
The Environmental Collaboration Office has conducted community discussions to inform property owners about the new Efficient Building Benchmarking program. This program mandates the tracking and reporting of energy consumption for large commercial and multi-family buildings. Although reporting is not required until 2025, building owners are encouraged to make operational adjustments to enhance energy efficiency in the interim.
Operational Changes for Energy Savings
Adjustments such as optimizing lighting usage, adjusting temperature settings, and aligning heating and cooling systems with occupancy can lead to significant energy savings. These changes contribute to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Support from Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls, a company specializing in building efficiency, is offering its expertise to aid building owners in Milwaukee. They provide virtual reality demonstrations of efficient equipment options, aiming to help owners optimize their facilities’ energy performance. This support is crucial in achieving SDG 11, which seeks to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Impact of Benchmarking Programs
Cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Madison have seen positive outcomes from their benchmarking initiatives, with reductions in energy usage and substantial cost savings. Moreover, enhancing building energy efficiency can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, addressing SDG 13’s call for climate action.
Milwaukee’s Ambitious Emission Reduction Goals
The new benchmarking program is part of Milwaukee’s broader strategy to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This ambitious plan aligns with SDG 13 and demonstrates the city’s commitment to sustainable development.
Conclusion
Milwaukee’s efforts in implementing the Efficient Building Benchmarking program exemplify a strong commitment to sustainable development and the achievement of the SDGs. By improving building energy performance, the city moves closer to creating a more sustainable and resilient urban environment for all its residents.
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Analysis of the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressed in the article are:
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Specific targets under the SDGs include:
- Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Indicators implied in the article include:
- Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP.
- Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted).
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries with nationally determined contributions, long-term strategies, national adaptation plans, strategies as reported in adaptation communications and national communications.
4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030. | Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities by 2030. | Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted). |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies and planning. | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries with nationally determined contributions, long-term strategies, etc. |
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Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: spectrumnews1.com
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