| 13 January 2010
One thing for certain to be taken from the Copenhagen Climate Conference is that the global community is very much interested with the future of our planet. In December '09, Copenhagen reached #1 on Google search. Getting 180 nations together to agree on an exact plan of action is no simple thing to do. How successful the Accord will be is yet to be determined. What we do know is that the trend for retrofitting America is about to begin. One of the best things to come out during 2009 was the McKinsey report that revealed that there is $1.2 Trillion dollars available to be be saved here in our country through 2020 by upgrading our existing building structures (homes and businesses) with energy efficiency enhancements and retrofitting. Now the challenge becomes convincing the American public to invest in these green upgrades during very dismal economic times. As contractors: Greening America is still in our hands.
Other encouraging developments:
+The number of USGBC certifications and registrations continue to grow. LEED projects now exist in all 50 U.S. states and 91 other countries. Green building is projected to grow by 60% in 2010.
+In Dec 09, the EPA announced that Greenhouse Gas Emissions endangers human health. Although this is bad news for our health, it is good news for increasing efforts to accelerate energy efficiency.
+Solar Expansion is expected to double within the next 2 years thanks in part to the ongoing 30% alternative energy tax credit.
+Smart Grid expansion is helping to change consumer energy behavior.
+The looming "Cash For Caulkers" program could result in $12,000 for each consumer to apply toward energy upgrades in a wide range of energy efficiency options.





