| The Campaign for a New Energy Economy is working
to ensure that buildings in New Mexico will be constructed
or renovated to use 50% less energy by the year 2010. There
are a number of policy directives that can help us reach this
goal.
Executive Orders
Executive Orders can provide important leadership in improving
the efficiency of our buildings by directing that all government
buildings be constructed more efficiently.
Governor Richardson recently issued and Executive
Order that requires that all state buildings to be constructed
using one-half the U.S. energy consumption for a given building
type.
Mayor Martin Chavez signed an Executive Order in 2005 establishing high performance green building standards and requiring large city-funded projects to meet LEED Silver certification.
Codes
We must work together to change existing building standards
and codes so that buildings and renvovations use half the
fossil fuel energy they would typically consume. The Executive
Orders by Gov. Richardson and Mayor Chavez will help government
buildings become more efficient, but we must develop better
codes so that all New Mexicans can benefit from improved building
efficiency.
Improved Appliance Efficiency Standards
Appliance and equipment efficiency standards have been one
of the most successful policies used to save energy and save
consumers money.
Efficiency standards limit the production and import or sale
of appliances and other energy-consuming products that are
less efficient than minimum requirements. These standards
not only save energy but also help consumers and businesses
save money, reduce pollutants, and improve the reliability of
the electric system.
Currently, ten states have standards for appliance and equipment
energy efficiency, but New Mexico does not currently have
any of its own appliance standards.
Training Programs
Professional architecture and planning schools should require
the establishment of a mandatory, full-year program which
promotes creative problem-solving relevant to climate change.
Smart Purchases
Nationwide architects and builders are responsible for directing
the purchase of over a staggering one trillion dollars worth
of goods and services annually. They can effect major reductions
in the emissions produced by the manufacture of building products
and the construction of buildings and infrastructure through
the specification of innovative, low-embodied energy materials,
technologies and processes.
Incentive Programs
Cities can develop incentive programs designed to promote
the use of resource efficient construction materials, water
conservation and energy efficiency in new and remodeled residential
and commercial buildings. For example cities can waive the
fee for the building permits as San
Diego recently did. |
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