Globally, nearly 20% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions comes from buildings, while In the US, nearly 40% of CO2 emissions comes from buildings. Since the climate clock is ticking ever more loudly we urgently need to know…
What already field-tested innovations have shown their mettle in terms of solving climate problems, while also being affordable globally?
I’m a fan of a number of such cutting-edge innovations, two of which in the residential sector include
- Energy-Plus houses in Germany (pictured above) that are so energy efficient that they generate monthly rebate checks for residents from the local utility that buys the surplus electricity that's generated; and
- Earthship homes that are off the grid and
- use primarily recycled (e.g., used tires) and natural materials (e.g., dirt);
- incorporate passive thermal heating and cooling;
- get power from the sun and wind;
- harvest and use rain water;
- enable growing food inside; and
- have self-contained sewage treatment.
Earthship homes started in the southwest of the US and have been built in six continents and in many different conditions.
What have you spotted that’s worth a closer look?
