1. Goal: Climate Protection
Reduce CO2 emissions 80 percent by 2050. Promote the efficient use of energy and plan for the County’s long-term energy needs.
a. Energy Use Indicators
Climate protection means reducing Montgomery County’s contribution to greenhouse gasses that increase the chance of catastrophic global warming. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including CO2, come from a variety of man-made and natural sources. Major man-made sources include transportation, electricity production, industrial activities, and building energy use (including electricity), solid waste management, and agriculture. This indicator focuses on building energy use.
Any comprehensive approach to reducing GHG emissions must promote more efficient use of energy in buildings. Programs and policies must focus on how buildings are built and operated, and where they are located.
The Pew Center’s 2005 study, Towards a Climate-Friendly Built Environment, reports that the energy required by residential, commercial, and industrial buildings produces approximately 43 percent of the nation’s CO2 emissions. The study notes that the United States has made “remarkable progress” in lowering energy use in its buildings. Since 1972, energy use in buildings has increased half the rate of the nation's gross domestic product, despite the growth in home size and building energy services – mainly air conditioning and consumer and office electronic equipment. The report also predicts “abundant untapped opportunities” for more energy reductions. Approximately 96% of the total energy consumed in buildings in Montgomery County comes from electricity and natural gas.
Any comprehensive approach to reducing GHG emissions must promote more efficient use of energy in buildings. Programs and policies must focus on how buildings are built and operated, and where they are located.
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