Buildings can be energy efficient

Is it possible for buildings to reduce use of energy to a large extent? Though the concept is even beyond the imagination of commoners, an organization’s report states that this is possible and furthermore it can be up to 60 percent. Well, it is the World Business Council for Sustainable Development who has come out with this report. Let’s focus on the report therefore. On the word of the association there is an urgent need of a global effort to enact new standards for energy efficient buildings and the ultimate aim should be to reduce the effects of climate change by 2050.

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) is a CEO-led, global association of some 200 companies dealing exclusively with business and sustainable development. It has to be mentioned that the Council provides a platform for companies to explore sustainable development, share knowledge, experiences and best practices, and to advocate business positions on these issues in a variety of forums, working with governments, non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations.

Speaking on this Bjorn Stigson, President of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development said, “Energy efficiency is fast becoming one of the defining issues of our times, and buildings are that issue’s ‘elephant in the room.’ Buildings use more energy than any other sector and as such are a major contributor to climate change.”

As indicated by the organization, it is not possible for the markets to bring about such change. Reason? The most prominent reason happens to be the complete dearth of knowledge about energy efficiency among many building and homeowners. On the other hand their erroneous perception that investments in efficiency cost too much money is responsible as well.

What are the foremost recommendations then? They include stronger and more transparent building codes for energy efficiency as well as more subsidies for investments in efficiency. In addition, the association supports the encouragement of new energy-saving technologies in addition to more integrated design approaches and innovations for building new structures.