Earth Day 2020: Why Building Efficiency is Critical Post-COVID-19

Apr 21, 2020 | Blog Posts, Insights

A COVID-19 Positive? The Environment

Out of all the destruction and chaos caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), there’s been one tremendously positive effect. The environment has benefitted greatly with most of the world hunkered down inside. What’s been the impact? Consider these facts from the Earth Day Network:

Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels could fall by 2.5 billion metric tons this year – the largest drop on record
In the U.S., energy use has declined 5% since December
There’s been a steady increase in the use of wind and solar energy

The Environment – HIGHMARK | Building Efficiency

Post-COVID-19: The Economy and Sustainability

Celebrating Earth Day amidst this progress, while in such unchartered territory, begs a key question. How do we create a post-COVID-19 world that is as normal as possible, but also supports sustainability? Consequently, an essential pillar of bolstering both the economy and the environment is increased building efficiency.

Building Efficiency is Key Post-COVID-19

Why is building efficiency so important on Earth Day – and every day – especially in light of the current COVID-19 crisis? Take a look at the below facts. The DOE found that conventional commercial and residential buildings in the U.S.:

Consume about 74% of all electricity
Use about 40% of the total energy
Waste over 30% of their energy input

Earth Day 2020 – HIGHMARK | Building Efficiency

Building Efficiency is the Low-Hanging Fruit

Such astounding numbers point to building efficiency as the low-hanging fruit of environmental stewardship. And the good news is that we don’t have to wait for innovative building-efficiency technologies – they’re on the market today.

These impressive systems can improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and cut costs. In fact, the DOE found that by 2030, building energy use can be decreased by 35% with the right technologies.

Plan Now for Building Efficiency and Sustainability

Furthermore, with the world on a COVID-19 pause, it’s the optimal time to plan for the implementation of building-efficiency technologies. If we focus now on increasing building efficiency, it will be a win-win for sustainability and the bottom line.

To see why building efficiency matters on Earth Day, please view this infographic: