PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island families could save $1,719.22 every year on their energy bills by 2030 if the government invests in the energy efficient building, according to a recent report by Environment Rhode Island.
The environment advocacy group called on the state to adopt more stringent building codes that ultimately would lead to every new building producing its own energy through renewable sources such as a wind turbine or solar panels. The group also called for state leaders to invest in weatherization to improve the efficiency of existing buildings 30 percent by 2030 and to support financing mechanisms to promote investment in building efficiency.
“We have barely scratched the surface of what’s possible with energy efficiency in buildings,” said Norman Cook, a board member of the U.S. Green Building Council of Rhode Island. “Shortsighted builders are being penny-wise and pound-foolish by resisting upfront investments in the energy efficiency of our homes and businesses. They should not be allowed to pass the cost of their shortsightedness onto future generations in the form of higher bills and excess pollution.”
The March 31 report used government data to estimate the reduced energy consumption, decreased fossil fuel use, money saved on energy bills and global warming pollution prevented in 2030 and 2050 if the state took the group’s recommended actions.
Environment Rhode Island said making buildings more efficient would reduce the projected energy use of Rhode Island’s buildings 34 percent by 2030, or enough energy every year to power 859,893 homes.
Reduced energy consumption in Rhode Island would also prevent the emission of 2.225 million tons of pollution annually by 2030, which is equivalent to taking 404,600 cars off the road, Environment Rhode Island said.
“Let’s not waste any more time, any more energy, or any more money on outdated buildings,” said Environment Rhode Island Federal Field Organizer Caitlin Seeley. “We need to invest in efficiency today so we can start building a better tomorrow.”
