Landmark Green Buildings Bill Passes First Hurdle
California Political Desk
April 15, 2008
Los Angeles, CA – Yesterday the California Assembly Natural Resources Committee passed AB 2112, the Residential Buildings Zero Net Energy Bill. The bill, sponsored by Global Green USA and authored by Lori Saldaña (D- San Diego) will require all new residential buildings to be net zero energy by the year 2020.
"Energy use in buildings is the largest single global warming pollution source in the United States -- accounting for 48% of all greenhouse gas emissions nationally," said Global Green policy director Mary Luevano "Urgent action is needed to address the climate crisis and AB 2112 is a huge step in the right direction."
The term "zero net energy building" describes a building that implements both energy efficient design features and clean onsite energy generation that combine to result in no net gas or electricity purchases annually.
"The state is committed to reducing greenhouse gases from fossil fuel power generation," Saldaña said. "Incorporating energy saving technology and onsite renewable power generation like solar into new residential construction will make a significant contribution to the achievement of those objectives."
Net zero buildings also significantly lower utility costs for residents. Lower energy consumption means less stress on the power grid, reducing the vulnerability to the rolling blackouts Californians experienced in 2000.
AB 2112´s next test will be in the Assembly Appropriations Committee where it will be heard next month. The model for this legislation is the Solara project in Poway, California; the first apartment community in California fully powered by the sun. Global Green USA was the primary green consultant on the Solara project.
Global Green USA (www.globalgreen.org) is the only national environmental group headquartered in greater Los Angeles, and has offices in Washington D.C. and San Francisco. GG USA is the US affiliate of Green Cross International, founded by Mikhail Gorbachev in 1993. Global Green USA and Green Cross International are combating 3 of the greatest challenges facing humanity – weapons of mass destruction, lack of clean water, and global warming -- with targeted community projects, smart policy solutions, and public education.
"Energy use in buildings is the largest single global warming pollution source in the United States -- accounting for 48% of all greenhouse gas emissions nationally," said Global Green policy director Mary Luevano "Urgent action is needed to address the climate crisis and AB 2112 is a huge step in the right direction."
The term "zero net energy building" describes a building that implements both energy efficient design features and clean onsite energy generation that combine to result in no net gas or electricity purchases annually.
"The state is committed to reducing greenhouse gases from fossil fuel power generation," Saldaña said. "Incorporating energy saving technology and onsite renewable power generation like solar into new residential construction will make a significant contribution to the achievement of those objectives."
Net zero buildings also significantly lower utility costs for residents. Lower energy consumption means less stress on the power grid, reducing the vulnerability to the rolling blackouts Californians experienced in 2000.
AB 2112´s next test will be in the Assembly Appropriations Committee where it will be heard next month. The model for this legislation is the Solara project in Poway, California; the first apartment community in California fully powered by the sun. Global Green USA was the primary green consultant on the Solara project.
Global Green USA (www.globalgreen.org) is the only national environmental group headquartered in greater Los Angeles, and has offices in Washington D.C. and San Francisco. GG USA is the US affiliate of Green Cross International, founded by Mikhail Gorbachev in 1993. Global Green USA and Green Cross International are combating 3 of the greatest challenges facing humanity – weapons of mass destruction, lack of clean water, and global warming -- with targeted community projects, smart policy solutions, and public education.
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