Energy Efficiency as an Essential Component in Buildings
Green buildings are designed to reduce the environmental and human health impact on the built environment. Green building practices include an emphasis on energy efficiency, which is the foundation of any sustainable building.
In addition, as buildings represent 30-40% of global energy use, energy efficiency in buildings has gained prominence in the pursuit of sustainable development and energy and climate security. Energy efficiency improvements in the building sector present significant opportunity to save energy and money and reduce carbon emissions.
On February 23, 2010, the Alliance to Save Energy hosted a brownbag lunch with the Inter-American Development Bank to discuss the benefits of energy efficiency in different types of buildings, the use of enabling policies and building codes, and necessary investments. It included a tour of the Alliance’s U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) Silver-certified office space. Coupled with the organization’s ambitious green power commitment, the office features recycled and rapidly-renewable building materials and furnishings and EnergyStar kitchen appliances.
- Welcome
International Team Program Manager Arlene Fetizanan (afetizanan@ase.org) gave an overview of the Alliance to Save Energy’s work with energy efficiency projects related to buildings. Arlene has experience in urban planning and economic development in the US and internationally, and specializes in designing mechanisms and policies to increase energy conservation measures in buildings. - The Importance of Investment in Energy Efficiency in Buildings
Vice President for Programs Jeff Harris (jharris@ase.org) discussed energy efficiency measures in new and existing buildings, as well as cross-cutting techniques for achieving maximum advantages. Jeff’s work focuses on U.S. and international energy efficiency policies for buildings, appliances, and utilities, and market transformation through public sector leadership. - Promoting EE Standards and Technologies
Buildings and Utilities Project Manager Nils Petermann (npettermann@ase.org) presented specific Alliance experience in windows market transformation through the Efficient Windows Collaborative (EWC). Nils directs the EWC, and his expertise includes window energy efficiency standards and technologies as well as analysis of the energy savings achievable through building codes. - Energy Efficiency in Schools
Education Team Vice President Merrilee Harrigan (mharrigan@ase.org) discussed the Alliance’s education initiatives, which improve learning environments and increase students’ awareness about energy efficiency. Merrilee has directed the Alliance’s US and international educational programs for 20 years, designing and researching innovative consumer education, field tests, and pilot projects to reduce energy consumption. - Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP)
BCAP Executive Director Aleisha Khan (akhan@ase.org) discussed the Alliance’s BCAP experience, as well as international examples to identify favorable markets for green codes. With experience in technical projects and market transformation, Aleisha directs BCAP activities for improving energy performance in residential and commercial buildings through building codes. - Alliance Office LEED Retrofit
Executive Vice President for Programs and Development Brian Castelli (bcastelli@ase.org) explained the process and cost benefits of the LEED-CI Alliance office retrofit. Brain brings nearly 30 years of national and international experience in the energy field, including expertise in energy efficiency, renewables, emission reductions, and electricity demand reduction.- Take an office tour with Brian Castelli.
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