Retro-fitting In: Clinton and the USGBC Embrace the Re

Toronto-based raw design's plans to retrofit an industrial building are part of a larger plan to revamp two blocks in Kitchener, Ontario.

The Clinton Climate Initiative and the U.S Green Building Council are expanding their partnership to try and radically reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions from the built environment globally. The initial focus will be on efficiency in existing buildings

Homes, schools, offices and other buildings account for 38 per cent of CO2 emissions globally, according to the U.N. Environment Program. In the U.S. alone, basic building efficiencies could save the economy more than $160 billion by 2030, according to McKinsey & Company.

“Retrofitting buildings represents an immediate and measurable opportunity to cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve our economy,” says Bill Clinton.

USGBC CEO, President and Founding Chairman Rick Fedrizzi, says, “Green building creates green jobs that save energy and money.” And another thing, “Green building will help save our climate.”

David Pecaut with the Toronto City Summit Alliance says investing in retrofits is a smart use of the federal government’s $4 billion in use-it-or-lose-it funding. “The green infrastructure fund is okay, but I was hoping to see more for retrofits,” says Pecaut.

In their report, Greening Greater Toronto, City Summit Alliance calls for retrofits to existing buildings. They found that for every $100 million that goes into retrofits, 5000 jobs are created. They suggest a green lease amendment as a tool for landlords who want to green their buildings but can’t afford it.

Others are calling for provincial governments to make energy-efficient and/or “green” buildings part of a revised building code. But that would take years. The reality is that change will have to come from the landlords Pecaut is suggesting governments help out with incentives or loans.