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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on TIME MAGAZINE or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm highlighted a federal blueprint to reduce the carbon footprint of America's buildings, using the Empire State Building as a model for energy efficiency
• The initiative aims for a 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 and a 90% reduction by 2050
🔭 The context: Buildings account for over a third of U.S. climate pollution and $370 billion in annual energy costs
• The Empire State Building's energy-efficient upgrades, including new windows and energy-storing elevators, exemplify the potential savings and improvements
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Decarbonizing buildings could significantly lower national greenhouse gas emissions and reduce energy and health costs by billions annually, fostering a more sustainable and resilient environment
⏭️ What's next: The Department of Energy focuses on making energy-efficient solutions affordable, especially for low-income communities
• New York's approval for the Inflation Reduction Act’s rebate program marks the first step in widespread implementation across other states
💬 One quote: “It’s not just one thing, it’s a series of things,” said Jennifer Granholm, emphasizing the comprehensive approach needed for energy efficiency
📈 One stat: The federal blueprint aims to save consumers more than $100 billion in annual energy costs by 2050
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