Issue 1: Advanced Retrofits Necessary to Reach State Reduction Goals
Models recently released by the Climate Action Council of New York have suggested that reaching an 80% state-wide reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 would require the residential sector (homes and apartments) to contribute zero carbon emissions. This means advanced energy retrofits for every home is a prerequisite for a low carbon New York.
The 80% carbon reduction goal is mandated by Executive Order 24, implemented by Governor Paterson in 2009. The necessity of residential neutrality may seem odd amongst the myriad of advertised supply side technologies: clean coal, bio-fuels and renewables, to name a few. But the reality is that existing technologies to mitigate industrial, commercial and transportation emissions on a large scale are either underdeveloped or too expensive. Reducing energy demand, instead of using technology to clean up energy supply, is finally being taken seriously.
These models by the Climate Action Council illustrate the importance of scaling-up home energy retrofits in Tompkins County. As a local leader, you are in a unique position to promote replicable energy efficiency programs. Together, we can make New York a world leader in climate action. Click here for ideas of what you can do.
