Sen. Jeanne Shaheen: Energy efficiency benefits all Granite Staters
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen: Energy efficiency benefits all Granite Staters The Union Leader
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The Housing Crisis in New Hampshire
Introduction
The state of New Hampshire is currently facing a significant housing crisis. Many individuals and families are unable to find affordable housing in their communities, which poses challenges in attracting and retaining a talented workforce. One potential solution to make housing more affordable is through the modernization of building codes, with a focus on energy efficiency. This approach can help reduce energy bills for thousands of residents in New Hampshire.
The Importance of Modern Energy Codes
Modern energy codes have numerous benefits for Granite Staters, particularly for hard-working families who spend a significant portion of their income on heating bills. Currently, New Hampshire follows the established building energy codes from 2018. However, the state now has a unique and time-critical opportunity to transition to the 2021 building energy codes, which would result in substantial savings for residents. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners and renters could save over $500 annually on utility bills by adopting the updated codes. These savings would allow for a quick recovery of upfront costs and provide more than $10,000 in net savings over the lifespan of a typical mortgage.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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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
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SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums
- Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing
- Indicator 11.1.2: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities
Analysis
The article highlights the housing crisis in New Hampshire and the need for affordable housing. It specifically mentions the importance of modernizing building codes to prioritize energy efficiency as a way to make housing more affordable for families.
1. SDGs Addressed
The issues discussed in the article are connected to two SDGs:
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The article emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency in reducing energy bills for families, which aligns with SDG 7’s goal of ensuring affordable and clean energy.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article highlights the housing crisis and the need for access to safe, affordable housing, which is a key target of SDG 11.
2. Targets Identified
Based on the article’s content, the following targets can be identified:
- Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency – The article emphasizes the need to modernize building codes to prioritize energy efficiency, which aligns with this target.
- Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums – The article highlights the lack of affordable housing and the need to address this issue.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied
The article mentions or implies the following indicators:
- Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP – The article discusses the potential savings on utility bills through energy efficiency, which can be measured using this indicator.
- Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing – The article mentions the housing crisis and the need for safe and affordable housing, which aligns with this indicator.
- Indicator 11.1.2: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities – Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, improving access to affordable housing often involves considering transportation options, making this indicator relevant.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums | Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing |
| Indicator 11.1.2: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities |
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: unionleader.com
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