This is a very scary graph.Climate change is the most pressing issue of our time, probably of all recorded time. We are re engineering our planet through the massive burning of fossil fuels and the resultant carbon dioxide emissions. Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are at record highs, and we keep burning more oil, gas, and coal, pushing CO2 higher daily. CO2 stays in the atmosphere for 1000 years.
Architects have been concerned about our changing climate for some years now, focusing on minimizing carbon dioxide emissions, as well as maximizing energy efficiency, in the design, construction, and operation of buildings. The American Institute of Architects [AIA] has initiated the 2030 Commitment, where firms commit to designing carbon neutral buildings by the year 2030. This includes factoring in the electrical power it takes to run these buildings. 75% of all electricity generated in the U.S. goes to powering our buildings, and most of this is generated by coal burning power plants. There's your carbon in the atmosphere again.
Fresh off the NOAA website: Hot and getting hotter.Here at CG&S we're doing our small part, designing and building projects as carbon friendly and energy efficient as we can. Of course we have to make lots of compromises, and cost is always a factor, but every LED lamp in place of an incandescent counts!
It's critical this issue takes center stage in our attention. More to follow.
Stewart
0 comments:
Post a Comment