Number: 2007-06
WHEREAS, energy used in homes and commercial buildings is responsible for one-third of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, and buildings account for an even greater percentage of emissions when energy used from industrial complexes and for building construction are taken into account; and
WHEREAS, the United States is the world’s largest contributor to global warming; and
WHEREAS, buildings are long-term capital investments and design decisions in this sector will have long-term impacts on U.S. emission trends; and
WHEREAS, opportunities for design changes and the use of smarter technologies exist that could reduce energy use and emissions in the building sector significantly; and
WHEREAS, The Architecture 2030 Challenge initiative has set goals to reduce fossil fuel energy consumption to 50% below the current average for a given building type for both new and renovation projects undertaken between today and 2010, with additional 10% reductions every five years to be carbon-neutral by 2030; and
WHEREAS, The Architecture 2030 Challenge aims to not only encourage the design of high-performance and carbon-neutral buildings but also advocates actions that will require all builders and developers to meet these targets as well (through building codes, government regulations and legislation);
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, at its annual meeting assembled March 30-31, 2007, in Washington, D.C., supports The Architecture 2030 Challenge and encourages the building design and construction industry and their customers to help meet the initiative’s goals.