How the U.S. plans to reduce the carbon footprint of its buildings

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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