Despite energy initiatives, world is still behind in goal to prevent global warming

According to a major report released Monday, June 15 by the Paris-based International Energy Agency, the current global commitment to reduce greenhouse gases is not enough to keep world temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius. These 2 degrees may seem insignificant but are actually the marker of a move toward preindustrial temperature levels.

The International Energy Agency provides independent energy analysis and has 29 members from across the world, including the U.S. 

This report also highlights the path the world now needs to take in order to tackle projected peak emissions by 2020 and return to a safer path.

Climate change has been in the spotlight for several years and many nations have submitted Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) outlining plans to limit overall emissions.

The U.S. has said it will reduce emissions 26 to 28 percent below their 2005 levels by 2025. In contrast, the European Union has pledged a 40 percent cut or more below 1990 levels by 2030.

The International Energy Agency has found that unless the 29 members make active changes to their already implemented INDC plans, the world will go beyond its 2 degree threshold. 

"If stronger action is not forthcoming after 2030, the path in the INDC Scenario would be consistent with an average temperature increase of around 2.6 °C by 2100 and 3.5 °C after 2200," the report said, according to The Washington Post.

As the world begins to shift into more use of renewable, effectively moving away from carbon dioxide emissions, energy use will still grow by 8 percent. This is due to the projected economic growth between 2013 and 2030 sitting at an approximate 88 percent. 

While the U.S. strives to make an energy efficient change for the better, so can you. Schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspections for a complete home energy efficiency inspection. Visit our website for more information.

2050 will be the year of 100% renewables use

According to CleanTechnica, the U.S. switching to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050 is possible if the right actions are taken now and in the future.

New research from several U.S. universities has created the first state-by-state transition outline. The plan's motive is clear: make the country more sustainable. The shocking part is that no new technology breakthroughs are needed to make it happen.

Although the changes could be considered big, in terms of both infrastructure and energy consumption, using already present technology, states can take charge of their energy efficient renewables with ease.

"The main barriers are social, political and getting industries to change. One way to overcome the barriers is to inform people about what is possible," said senior fellow at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment and at the Precourt Institute for Energy Mark Z. Jacobson. 

The changes can be separated into four categories including commercial, industrial, residential and transportation. As these changes were then implemented through simulations in all 50 states, there was a 39 percent reduction in total end-use power by 2050.

The bulk of this can be attributed to replacing current sources and uses of combustion-related energy with electricity. 

This type of conversion will also create a range of jobs, as well as stabilize fuel prices and reduce pollution. A reduction of pollution over time will have an overall effect on related health issues in addition to reducing all types of emissions.

If the plan is followed, a total of almost 63,000 deaths a year could be prevented.

Using the water, wind, solar and other available energy efficient means is one change that can better the world.

On a smaller scale, using energy efficient means in your home can also make a difference. Schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspectors today for more information or a house inspection.

Renewable energy and the EPA Clean Power Plan

According to Greentechmedia, almost 400 GW of renewable energy are possible to harvest by 2040 under the right conditions.

New analysis of the expectations surrounding renewable energy sources highlights an even greater outcome than that determined by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. 

This analysis has concluded that:

  • 2020 will see an increase in wind-based energy and natural gas initiatives.
  • Coal plants will decrease from 60 to 40 gigawatts by 2016.
  • Solar energy will continue to grow in 2025, matching or overtaking natural gas generation.

In terms of changing markets, the solar industry is also continuing to grow. There was a 76 percent growth over the first quarter of 2014, and more than 437 megawatts of photovoltaics (PV) were installed in the first three months of 2015.

Although much of the Northeastern U.S. experienced some of the worst winter weather ever seen, the residential market continued to grow by 11 percent. This time period is usually the slowest due to tax costs and weather conditions.

"Q1 2015 provided a clear glimpse into the role that residential sector will play as a primary driver of not only solar market growth, but the overall electricity generation mix," said senior vice president at GTM Research, Shayle Kann.

Research indicates an increase of 3 million more residential installations throughout the next five years caused by a broader market, energy use engagement and management. 

In addition to the numerous changes caused by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, coal power will decrease. Due to incurring charges and decrease in use, coal plant retirements will begin to increase as time goes on.

No matter the type of energy efficient mediums, it's clear that the U.S. is taking a stance in the efficiency market. 

To also make a difference, consider having an energy audit performed by Alban Inspections in your home to test for energy efficiency. Visit our website for more information.

Better Buildings Challenge saves $840 million in energy costs

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the Better Buildings Challenge has cut energy waste by 94 TBTUs since it was first launched in 2011.

This energy savings is accompanied by a total of $840 million in energy costs and a reduction of 6 million tons of harmful carbon emissions. This reduction is equal to cutting the emissions of 1 million cars. 

The Energy Department is currently expanding the Better Buildings Challenge to include water saving goals as well.

"As the Better Buildings Initiative enters its fourth year, leaders continue to showcase how saving energy saves money, creates jobs, and most importantly accelerates the nation's competitiveness in the clean energy economy while preserving our environment for generations to come," said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz.

The Better Buildings Challenge has more than 250 partners in over 50 cities including Sprint, Volvo, the City of West Palm Beach, Florida and the state of Maryland.

In addition, 18 new partners have joined the partnership including Intel Corporation, Toyota of Texas and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. 

The newest frontier for the Challenge is water savings. Those that choose to work with the Department of Energy will be able to collaborate on data collection, analysis and possible solutions to known water wasters. 

The Challenge hopes to make a change by 2030 by doubling American energy productivity while encouraging water saving practices among other energy saving changes.

There are many ways home and business owners can save water and water-related energy uses. These include:

  • Ensuring water systems are completely turned off when not in use.
  • Eliminating water wasting practices such as long showers and long periods of running water. 
  • Using water energy to power buildings and homes.

To create a more energy efficient workspace or home environment, schedule an energy audit inspection with Alban Inspectors. Visit our website for more information.

Boston, energy efficiency, and what your state can change

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recently published the 2015 biennial city energy efficiency scorecard, ranking U.S. cities based on local energy policies and initiatives. 

The rating is based on five crucial criteria including local government operations, community-wide initiatives, building policies, energy and water utility policies and transportation. Each category is worth up to 100 points. 

Boston, Massachusetts was ranked number one with 82 points, the only city to obtain over 80 percent of the possible points. 

Boston was rated number one in building policy, energy and water utilities, water efficiency efforts, as well as natural gas efficiency. 

The city also has a range of energy efficient programs and ordinances including the Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance, Renew Boston initiative, Renew Boston Solar and a climate action plan.

Boston has also created the Greenovate Boston campaign, a program aimed at emission reduction through citizen engagement in climate and sustainability initiatives. Engagement includes community meetings, bike weeks and how to improve energy efficiency in the home.

"Community outreach is really the key element. One thing that we're really focusing on is making sure that when we are communicating with our residents and businesses, we're making sure we're reaching out to those people who haven't heard the message already," said Boston's chief of environment, energy and open space Austin Blackmon. 

The top five cities according to the ACEEE are:

  1. Boston, MA
  2. New York, New York
  3. Washington D.C.
  4. San Francisco, California 
  5. Seattle, Washington.

Many experts believe changes in cities can translate to innovations and new practices throughout states. 

Making energy efficient changes in a city begins with the personal changes of residents and commercial changes in homes and businesses. Schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspections to learn how your home can enhance the impact. Visit our website for more information. 

How will the Clean Power Act impact Virginia?

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Clean Power Act will have a major impact on Virginia. 

The Clean Power Act was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce heat-trapping carbon emissions from existing power plants. Where is Virginia in terms of energy efficiency now?

  • Its renewable energy sits at about 5.5 percent, lagging in both solar and wind power. The projected renewable energy goal, as part of the Voluntary Renewable Electricity Standard states renewable energy should be at 15 percent now.
  • Virginia's electric generation is split between nuclear, natural gas and coal.
  • Virginia also has an Energy Efficiency Resource goal initiative, which began with Governor Terry McAuliffe. Its goal of 10 percent in electricity savings is to be met by 2020.
  • Virginia is currently number 35 in terms of energy efficiency of the 50 states. If Virginia, like other states, increased efficiency by 1.5 to 2 percent every year, the state could meet its goals.

The Clean Power Act, in its current state, would have Virginia reduce its rate of carbon dioxide by about 38 percent. As the state is already closing old coal plants and meeting voluntary renewable standards, Virginia would get credit for these acts.

Governor Terry McAuliffe recently signed six clean energy and energy efficiency bills into law. These, according to Energy Efficiency Markets, include:

  • Virginia Solar Development Authority: Aims to foster solar developments.
  • Net Energy Metering: Doubles the amount of generation capacity of solar net metering facilities.
  • Utility-scale Solar: Allows for utility cost recovery for construction or purchase of solar facilities with over 1MW.
  • Natural Gas Energy Efficiency: Aims to increase approval of energy efficiency programs.
  • Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program: Expands the already existing PACE program.
  • Green Jobs Tax Credit: Extends a $500 per job Green Jobs Tax Credit for three years through July 1, 2018.

Learn more about energy efficient advancements in Virginia or schedule an energy audit in your home to make a change as well.

How much has energy growth expanded in the last four years?

According to Clean Technica, advanced energy is growing. What exactly does this mean? The world's energy use is growing, and the way in which we consume it is changing, for better and for worse. 

A recent study known as the Advanced Energy Economy Market Report indicated that worldwide, advanced energy has grown to almost $1.3 trillion in global revenue, a 12 percent increase from 2013.

The largest segment of energy revenue was electricity, with a growth of 16 percent. Wind power revenue grew by 40 percent to $95 billion and hydropower grew 45 percent up to almost $122 billion.

Building efficiency grew 12 percent. This can be attributed to a range of factors including commercial and residential energy efficiency retrofits and zero net energy buildings.

Reducing the amount of energy your building uses doesn't have to be hard. Duke Energy Progress highlights 100 ways to save energy at home. Here are just a few:

  • Appliances: 

If your fridge is old, leaky or doesn't keep your food cool, it may be time for a change. If you can't afford a new fridge, repair seals on the door to keep cold air in. When doing laundry, wash and dry several loads at once. This keeps your dryer from having to completely heat up from scratch time and time again. In addition, hanging clothes to dry can save even more energy.

  • Cooling your home: 

Block the sun with heavy curtains or other window treatments. Repair leaky ducts, check your AC before you need to use it and install ceiling fans wherever possible. Ceiling fans use less energy than heavy ACs. 

  • Windows:

Install high-performance windows to protect you and your furniture from harmful UV rays. Find windows with double-glazing and spectrally selective coatings that can keep the heat out and cool air in. 

To conduct a full energy audit, contact Alban Inspections. A home inspection can help you discover the energy efficiency of your house. Visit our website for more information.

How much money are you really wasting on plugged in appliances?

Do you leave your coffee pot plugged in when it's not in use? What about your hair dryer or radio? If you do, you could be losing hundreds of dollars a year in utility bills and wasting more energy than you may have ever realized.

According to Utility Dive, devices that are "always on" waste $19 billion in electricity every year when they aren't being used.

The report conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that the energy wasted is equal to about $165 per average household. That is an approximate output of 500 MW of generating capacity.

In addition, research from the LA Times concluded that the typical home cable box consumes up to 35 watts of energy, even when not in use, costing homeowners about $8 every month.

The information, based on data from thousands of California smart meters and in-home energy audits, highlights the need for awareness of "vampire energy drainers" or unused, plugged in appliances.

The NRDC has found that consumers lose up to $440 annually because of these appliances. They have become a number one target for utility efficiency programs.

"Appliances like washers, dryers, and fridges now have displays, electronic controls, and increasingly even Internet connectivity, for example… in many cases, they are using far more electricity than necessary," said NRDC's director of high-tech sector energy efficiency Pierre Delforge. 

Always on, but inactive devices account for almost 23 percent of electricity consumption in California. Although these numbers were only studied in California, researchers believe the numbers can be applied to the U.S. as a whole, as people in every state buy these kinds of appliances.

Scheduling an energy audit with Alban Home Inspectors can help you discover these energy wasters in addition to other steps you can take to reduce energy consumption. Home energy efficiency begins with you. Visit our website for more information.

5 energy-efficient interior design changes to consider in your home

According to The Review, the interior design choices you make in your home can affect your overall energy consumption.

Choices such as window treatments, types of roof coverings and lighting can have a major effect on electricity use and your overall carbon footprint. What home changes can you make now, and in the future, to curb energy use?

Consider the following changes:

  • Colors: Both outdoor and indoor color choices can impact energy in your home. Dark exterior paint is more likely to hold in heat, whereas a lighter color will enable the home to remain cool. Always consider the climate and usual temperature of your location before making a change.
  • Exterior doors: Choose an exterior door that has a highly rated energy performance rating. Choose a door that will keep your energy consumption low, as well as pests outside and heat or cold inside.
  • Flooring: Carpets are known to trap heat, making homes warmer during the winter months. But in the summer, this heat is known to remain as well. Consider lifting carpets during warmer months to keep rooms as cool as they can be. Keep your air conditioning and heating system from overworking itself, causing higher electricity bills and a possible need for quicker replacement. 
  • Furnishings: Furniture with high back features, skirts or heavy materials can hold warmth and keep out drafts during cooler months. In the summer, consider using wicker furniture, or chairs and couches made of other lighter materials for a cooling effect throughout your home.
  • Lighting: Switch to energy-efficient bulbs, turn off the lights when not in use and utilize natural lights whenever possible. Doing so can reduce your electricity bill as well as expelled heat.

Schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspection Services today for a more conscious home energy efficient way of living. Visit our website for more information.

What demographic is the most energy efficient?

According to Energy Efficient Markets, the demographics related to energy efficiency are changing. A recent poll conducted by the KSV marketing firm indicates that interest in energy efficiency is highest among Hispanics.

The poll took into account a range of demographic differences including age, income, gender, ethnicity, household size and educational level, among others.

Research indicates that 78 percent of Hispanics want to reduce energy consumption at home, compared to 71 percent of Asian Americans, 69 percent of African Americans and 61 percent of Caucasians.

Hispanics are also more likely than any other group to have made efficiency changes in the past 12 months, 67 percent changed at least one home area. 

The survey yielded other information including:

  • 60 percent of homeowners indicate they enjoy taking on home improvement DIY projects
  • Fewer than half have taken on an energy efficient home improvement plan in the past year
  • Less than 10 percent believe their homes are energy efficient 
  • 63 percent would like to have more efficient homes.

"Across the country, the seeds have been planted about the importance of energy efficiency. But, in general, utilities are doing a poor job translating that sentiment into consumer action," said a KSV press release.

It's not just homes that are seeing a change, no matter how big or small, in energy efficiency. According to Reuters, flying in an airplane has become less energy intensive than driving a car. Research from the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute indicates that driving consumed 71 percent more energy per person than flying in 2012. 

This change can be attributed to a host of reasons including more efficient fuel and higher seat occupancy in planes as compared to cars. 

If you can't drive to where you want to go depending on location and money, you can make an energy efficient change at home instead. Schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspections today.