"Greener" buildings could slow global warming: UNEP - Reuters

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

"Greener" buildings could slow global warming: UNEP
Thu Mar 29, 2007 7:49AM EDT

By Alister Doyle, Environment Correspondent

OSLO (Reuters) - Better architecture and energy savings in buildings could
do more to fight global warming than all curbs on greenhouse gases agreed
under the U.N.'s Kyoto Protocol, a U.N. study showed on Thursday.

Better use of concrete, metals and timber in construction and less use of
energy for everything from air conditioners to lighting in homes and offices
could save billions of dollars in a sector accounting for 30-40 percent of
world energy use.

"Buildings can play a key role in combating climate change," the U.N.
Environment Programme said in a report issued in Oslo during a conference
on ways to promote economic growth without damaging the environment.

Simple measures include more blinds to keep out the sun in hot climates,
switching to energy efficient lightbulbs, better insulation and ventilation.
"Avoid building a bigger house than you need," was among the tips.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSL2818318720070329

[Kolesar]

1. Monbiot had been advocating destroying buildings that could not be made efficient

(It was either Monbiot or Kuntsler) I just wonder how to determine if a building can be refitted. Where I live, we have a very energy-intensive heating season.

It also recommended refurbishing old buildings rather than demolishing them and designing new buildings for long use.

[razzleberry]

2. people who have no electricity...

or running water

.
.
.

are extremely concerned with reducing the
A/C and heating demand of these buildings.

/sarcasm