Transcript Document
1 A NEW PARADIGM In This Chapter Green and public awareness Green milestones The core principles of green 1-1 Green and Public Awareness Awareness is at an all-time high. In simple terms, green means lessening environmental impact from society. 1-2 Green Milestones 1-3 1950s Predictions for oil shortages 1960s Analysis of disruption of natural systems 1970s Ecology legislation/awareness/recycling Green Milestones 1-4 1980s Ozone holes, first political “Green Party” 1990s Biosphere 2 experiment, Kyoto Protocol 2000s Climate change and “An Inconvenient Truth,” gas prices spike Where We Are Today Current demand on resources and environmental consequences cannot be minimized 1-5 Ecological Footprint Is Large Ecological footprint is measure of how much land and water area a human population requires to produce resources it consumes and to absorb wastes. 1-6 Limited Resources Cannot Be Replaced Petroleum Natural gas Coal Nuclear Arable land Freshwater 1-7 Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) Significant contributor to global climate change Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere: 1-8 – Carbon Dioxide (CO2) – Methane (CH4) – Nitrous Oxide (N2O) – Fluorinated Gases Climate Change and Public Health According to the U.S. Climate Change Science Division of the EPA, there will be: – – – – 1-9 1-9 Increasing temperatures Portions of the population at risk Millions of Americans living with poor air quality Increased risk of decreased lung function, aggravated asthma, and chronic bronchitis Impact of Buildings on Environment Buildings account for: 72% of electricity consumption 39% of energy use 38% of all CO2 emissions 40% of raw materials use 30% of waste output 14% of potable water consumption 1-10 How Real Estate Professionals Can Help Agents can help clients and customers understand how real estate choices and actions can take away from or add to core green principles 1-11 Core Principles of Green Often a personal decision Core principles include: 1-12 – Practicing resource efficiency and conservation – Practicing social responsibility Efficiency and Conservation Efficiency – Decreasing the use of a resource to produce an effect Conservation – 1-13 Not using a resource to produce an effect Renewable Energy Companies, e.g., General Electric, greening the production of power Wind-generated power 1-14 – Decreasing dependence on foreign oil – Producing less greenhouse gas – Investing in U.S. manufacturing jobs Green Pricing and Net Metering Green pricing – Support utility company investment – Pay premium to cover incremental cost Net metering – 1-15 Homes or businesses that generate energy through solar or wind power “bank” excess power until needed Water Efficiency & Conservation Full-cost pricing – – 1-16 Include operations, maintenance, and capital costs Helps signal value Conservation pricing or efficiency pricing – Establishing rate structures and practices – Promotes efficient use of water – Helps signal value Water Efficiency & Conservation Rainwater harvesting, or rainwater catchment systems: 1-17 – Harvesting water from the atmosphere – Limits urban runoff – Growing in popularity for landscape use Greywater recycling: – Wastewater from laundry facilities, faucets, and showers – Can be recycled for nonpotable use Xeriscaping Xeriscaping: 1-18 – Dry landscaping – Uses slow growing, drought-tolerant plants – Requires proper design and planning – Can save $ due to fewer pest control measures and fertilization needs Practicing Social Responsibility Individuals, communities, and companies holding themselves accountable for social, environmental, and economic impact of their operations See Figure 1.6 1-19 Estimating Your Green Profile Does your energy use come from renewable sources? How could you use other renewable energy and/or less resources? Before today, had you paid attention to your home and office water use? # of miles you drive each day? Vehicle type? How to limit driving and/or reduce fuel consumption? Air quality where you live? Better, worse, or same where you grew up? Health risks attributed to poor outdoor air quality? Steps you could take that might improve area’s air quality? Why are resource efficiency and conservation necessary for today and future? 1-20