I design buildings for a living; here’s why I support energy-efficient building standards – Maryland Matters

Architect Advocates for Energy-Efficient Buildings in Maryland

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Introduction

As an architect, my focus has always been on creating buildings that provide joy and comfort to Maryland’s families and residents. I have come to understand that well-designed buildings, including schools, commercial spaces, and homes, have a significant impact on people’s health, safety, and overall quality of life.

Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS)

I am pleased to see the inclusion of the new Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) in Maryland’s Climate Solutions Now Act. These standards aim to ensure that the state’s largest buildings, both new and existing, such as commercial businesses and multifamily housing, are designed with or upgraded to energy-efficient equipment that reduces pollution. The focus is on creating a more efficient building envelope to reduce energy demand for heating and cooling.

Implementing these energy-efficient standards will bring numerous benefits to Marylanders, including lower utility bills, improved air quality, and reduced climate pollution. However, there have been attempts to weaken or repeal these standards, despite their positive impact.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The implementation of the BEPS aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. These goals include:

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
4. SDG 15: Life on Land

By prioritizing energy efficiency in buildings, Maryland is taking significant steps towards achieving these global goals.

Environmental and Health Impacts

Compared to the state’s power plants, buildings in Maryland release three times as much health-harming nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to smog. This pollution can worsen respiratory illnesses, particularly asthma, leading to costly visits to the emergency room. Additionally, buildings contribute 30% to the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Transition to Zero-Emission Technologies

Upgrading buildings with zero-emission technologies, such as all-electric heat pumps, will provide highly efficient heating and cooling while enabling the use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. These upgrades will improve indoor comfort, especially during extreme heat events, which are expected to become more frequent and severe in the future.

Benefits for Low-Income Residents

Efficient buildings not only have positive climate and health impacts but also reduce energy bills. This is particularly important for low-income residents living in multifamily housing. Without energy-efficient standards, landlords have little incentive to upgrade their equipment, resulting in high heating and cooling bills for renters. Modern air-source heat pumps, for example, are two to four times more energy-efficient in the winter and use less electricity in the summer compared to traditional air conditioning, providing significant cost savings for renters.

Weatherization Improvements

The new building efficiency standards call for weatherization improvements, which enhance a building’s insulation, reduce heat loss, and lower energy use. These improvements result in cost savings for Maryland residents and will remain beneficial for the entire lifespan of the buildings.

Protecting Clean-Energy Electric Equipment

Opponents of the new standards are advocating for outdated and inefficient electric heating equipment, which may be cheaper to install but leads to significantly higher utility bills for renters and small business tenants. Some are even considering replacing equipment with fossil fuel-based systems that could remain in use for the next 15 to 25 years. It is crucial for lawmakers and regulators to protect the provisions of the law that ensure the installation of the best clean-energy electric equipment in buildings.

Incentives for Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Thanks to robust state and federal incentives, there has never been a better time to increase the efficiency of buildings in Maryland. Federal benefits, such as tax credits and rebates provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, can significantly reduce upfront costs for energy efficiency upgrades. Maryland’s EmPOWER energy efficiency program also offers additional financial incentives for building owners to pursue clean energy upgrades.

National Demand for Climate-Resilient Building Standards

Across the country, there is a growing demand for better and more climate-resilient building standards. Net-zero energy projects, for example, have increased by 345% from 2018 to 2022, according to data from the American Institute of Architects. This trend highlights the realization that buildings can be modernized cost-effectively to yield health and climate benefits.

Conclusion

Maryland residents should not miss out on the opportunity to upgrade their buildings. After years of discussions, Maryland’s legislative and administrative leaders have developed a strong framework to improve the efficiency of the state’s largest buildings. It is now crucial to implement the Climate Solutions Now Act and upgrade buildings to be cleaner, healthier, and more efficient.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
   • Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all
   • Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into their national policies, strategies, and planning

4. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally
   • Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management

Analysis

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their respective targets and indicators. The relevant SDGs, targets, and indicators are as follows:

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

The article emphasizes the importance of energy-efficient buildings and upgrading to current energy-efficient equipment. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

• Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
• Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article discusses the need for sustainable building standards and upgrades to improve the quality of life for Maryland residents. This aligns with SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

• Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all
• Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

The article highlights the importance of building energy performance standards in reducing climate emissions and achieving climate goals. This aligns with SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into their national policies, strategies, and planning

4. SDG 15: Life on Land

The article mentions the importance of sustainable forest management in promoting energy efficiency and reducing climate pollution. This aligns with SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

• Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally
• Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: marylandmatters.org