Transforming Buildings in America's Zero-Carbon Action Plan
Channel: SDSN
Date: 09/11/2020

Scientists have made it clear: we must achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. America’s Zero Carbon Action Plan (ZCAP), developed by nearly 100 researchers, analyzes the costs and impacts of this transition and lays out a clear path for achieving it. The bottom line? The clean energy transition is affordable and economically sound.

Addressing America’s 150 million buildings will be critical. The energy used in America’s buildings, including electricity, is responsible for 32% of national greenhouse gas emissions.

Jeffrey Sachs, renowned economist and global leader in sustainable development, who spearheaded the ZCAP development, will introduce this event. Roger Platt, Sr. VP of USGBC and Laurie Kerr, FAIA, who co-chaired the ZCAP Building Chapter, will present an overview the building sector policies, highlighting the impact on cities like New York. The policies include a national energy code that addresses both operational and embodied carbon, significant resources for local governments to launch advanced policies and decarbonize their public building stock, a significant increase in R&D for efficient building products, and a stimulus package that would create over half a million well-paid, construction related jobs.

Agenda
Opening remarks: Benjamin Prosky (AIA)
Framing of ZCAP Report: Jeffrey Sachs (SDSN)
Presentation of the ZCAP Buildings Chapter: Roger Platt (USGBC) and Laurie Kerr (LK Policy Lab)
Q & A

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The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) was set up in 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society.

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