Tag: Private Building Efficiency

San Francisco’s Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance (ECB ordinance) came into force in 2011, targeting all non-residential buildings with more than 10,000 square feet (ft²) of conditioned space (e.g. heated and/or air-conditioned). The programme specifically aims to reduce total energy consumption in non-residential buildings by 2.5% per year, achieving a total reduction of 50% by 2030 below 1990 levels.

The landmark legislation for Existing Buildings (EB) was enacted in 2012 to support Singapore’s national target of ‘greening’ at least 80% of its building stock by 2030. It signals a shift in Singapore’s focus from new to existing buildings, as part of its second Green Building Master Plan (GBMP), with the first GBMP (2006) focusing on new buildings and the third GBMP (2014) focusing on engaging occupants and tenants.

OneNYC sets a target of reducing New York City’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% by 2050, compared to 2005 levels. The City’s Greener, Greater Buildings Plan (GGBP) is one of the world’s most comprehensive building energy efficiency policy packages, and supports the citywide target through four local laws.

The Tokyo Cap-and-Trade Program (TCTP) implemented on the 1st of April 2010 is the first such scheme in Asia and Japan. The programme is a stepped-up measure of the Tokyo Carbon Reduction Reporting Program that started in April 2002. Under the former reporting programme, eligible facilities were required to annually report greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reduction plans, and were encouraged to reduce emissions. This initiative resulted in an average reduction in GHG emissions of 2%. By the end of FY2012 the current TCTP reached a total GHG emission reduction of 22% from baseline emissions (2009).

With up to 73% of its residents living in apartments, many of which are towers, Sydney is often referred to as ‘the Vertical City’. These residential buildings account for 10% of the City’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, 38% of its water use and 14% of its waste output. City data predicts that half of the population in the state of New South Wales (NSW) will be living in apartments by 2030. In response to this situation, the City launched the Smart Green Apartments (SGA) Programme in 2011 to help apartment owners and managers reduce their energy and water use, minimise waste and cut GHG emissions. The City of Sydney also plans to cut emissions from its apartment sector by 40% by 2030.