Architecture 2030

As we all heard growing up: "don't look behind the fridge if you don't want to clean it!"* This might be the truest statement about refrigerant emissions we've ever heard. The time has come to stop ignoring these emissions and tackle them head on - The updated EPIC graphics make this clear. Lifetime refrigerant leakage can easily have more emissions than A1-A3 emissions from the building's structure! Here are some ways that, in our projects at EHDD, we think about reducing refrigerant emissions 💨💨 🔻 First, focus on design measures which can reduce system sizing. The optimal system to specify is none at all, the less is the next best. 🚧 When we design for occupant comfort, paying attention to the needs of "back of house" employees can pay climate dividends! We've heard from building engineers that cramped mechanical spaces can disincentivize staff from appropriately capturing refrigerant leaks during refills or system swaps, tempting operators to (as one colleague puts it) "open the valve and go eat a sandwich" when venting refrigerants 😭 we can do better! 💭 Low-GWP refrigerants are becoming more widely available, but regulatory hurdles exist to getting them into buildings. AEC professionals have, in recent times, done amazing work advocating for building electrification, and a growing movement is tackling refrigerant emissions. Too many awesome people to mention, but we follow Stet Sanborn, AIA CPHC and REEF Refrigerant Emissions Elimination Forum to stay abreast of these efforts. * The quote is technically from Z Smith, and was technically made in relation to embodied carbon in MEP. We note, however, that technically the stuff behind the fridge is ... refrigerants 🤓 Could refrigerants be a major emission source on your project? You can evaluate this with EPIC, available free at https://epic.ehdd.com

Edward Mazria on the building sector's response to the climate crisis: "In March 2024, 47% of U.S. electricity came from non-CO2 emitting sources. This achievement is fueled by a surge in renewables contributing 28%, and nuclear power, providing 19%....Globally, the progress is even more impressive. About 55% of electricity is now generated from non-CO2 emitting sources, with renewables accounting for 38% and nuclear power contributing 17%." https://lnkd.in/e3Nnq7xZ

Join Built Buildings Lab co-founders Lori Ferriss, AIA, PE, and Billie Faircloth, FAIA a the Zero Net Carbon Collaboration for Existing and Historic Buildings meeting this Thursday, June 18 at 4:30 ET to discuss policy trends and advocacy opportunities at the intersection of #climate, #culturalheritage, #design, and building operations. This interactive discussion will explore the role of built buildings in climate policy, the role of climate in preservation policy, and how our collective advocacy efforts can most effectively advance built buildings as climate action and climate justice strategies. Follow this link for meeting details: Bi-Monthly All-Member Call — Zero Net Carbon Collaboration for Existing and Historic Buildings (znccollaboration.org).

Last week at the LAF Symposium in DC, our 2023-24 LAF Fellows wrapped up their year-long projects with inspiring talks and compelling calls to action. If you aren't already signed up for our email list, join now to be notified when their full talks are posted online: https://lnkd.in/eTJEtp8T Congrats again to our LAF Fellows: Kimberly Garza, Douglas Williams, Kathryn Finnigan, Betsy Peterson, Johnny Macon, and Meg Calkins.

Exciting Opportunity – Become a Federal Grant Reviewer! Calling all clean energy + net zero + building technology experts! DOE FEMP needs your insights. We are seeking application reviewers from U.S.-based industry, laboratories, and universities to review AFFECT BIL grant requests from federal agencies. AFFECT represents once-in-a-generation funding to help federal agencies with energy conservation measures implemented at scale. You’ll be reviewing for energy and cost savings, net-zero benefits, funding impact, and program viability. Learn more about FEMP: https://lnkd.in/gRZm-9Ys Honorarium for providing this public service is up to $1,000. Experts familiar with the FEMP portfolio, goals, and objectives are highly encouraged to apply. Required virtual training is on July 8 or 16. The deadline to apply to become an AFFECT reviewer is July 2, 2024. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dzfszZN9   *AFFECT BIL FAC = Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies Bipartisan Infrastructure Law DOE Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) #AFFECTfunding #BipartisanInfrastructureLaw #DeploywithImpact

Join the ACHP for Upcoming Public Meetings:  You're invited to shape ideas for implementing action on climate change and historic preservation! In 2023, the ACHP adopted policy statements on Housing and Historic Preservation and Climate Change and Historic Preservation that suggested, among other things, improvements to our Section 106 review process in the areas of housing, energy-efficiency, clean energy, and climate-friendly transportation. Based on these policy statements, the ACHP is considering four program comments and seeks your input on their scope. (A program comment is one of five types of program alternatives available in the Section 106 regulations to tailor approaches to how the requirements of Section 106 are achieved.)  You are invited to attend any and all of the following meetings:    Climate-Friendly Transportation: June 21 11:00 AM-12:30 PM EDT Housing: June 21, 1:00-2:30 PM EDT Clean Energy: June 24, 1:00-2:30 PM EDT Energy Efficiency: June 25, 4:00-5:30 PM EDT Two additional meetings are intended to hear the views from representatives of Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations. Additional details & event registration: https://lnkd.in/e98_f6MU ACHP's Housing & Historic Preservation Policy Statement: https://lnkd.in/g8XvmVF3 ACHP's Climate Change & Historic Preservation Policy Statement:  https://lnkd.in/gbbPcUrE We look forward to seeing you there.