Building efficiency: Lowering emissions with upgrades
Building efficiency is changing technology or systems to use less energy while maintaining the same or increasing the level of output. Increasing a building's efficiency either decreases demand for electricity (resulting in indirect emission reductions at power plants that no longer need to generate the same quantity of electricity) or thermal load (resulting in direct emission reductions at the building's boilers). In addition to reducing energy demand and emissions, energy efficient buildings often save owners money over the long term.
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Portland Building Energy Efficiency
Residential and commercial buildings account for about 40% of energy used in most countries, according to the International Energy Agency. Energy efficiency has been identified as one important and cost-effective way to combat climate change. However, many barriers to energy efficiency still exist, despite the fact that such measures result in cost savings over time. Barriers include split incentives, incremental costs, lack of information, and the complex and fragmented structure in the construction industry. Carbon finance can help overcome some of these barriers.
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