New Orleans Takes a Step Towards Sustainable Building Practices
In 2014, New Orleans made a bold statement by announcing its participation in the world’s largest sustainable design conference. The city pledged to develop a program that would require large building owners to track and disclose their energy use, joining the ranks of other environmentally-conscious cities like Minneapolis and Seattle. However, it took more than a decade for New Orleans to finally approve its benchmarking ordinance, falling behind about 50 other cities in the process.
The benchmarking ordinance, which was approved on Thursday, aims to hold building owners accountable for their energy consumption. By tracking and disclosing energy use, the city hopes to encourage investment in older, inefficient buildings and promote more climate-conscious design in new constructions. Buildings account for 40 percent of total energy use in the U.S. and about 35 percent of carbon emissions, making it crucial to address energy efficiency in the built environment.
Under the new ordinance, owners of buildings larger than 50,000 square feet will be required to report their annual energy use starting in 2026. The requirement will expand to buildings over 20,000 square feet in 2027. Noncompliance could result in fines ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, although Council President JP Morrell clarified that the fines are for failing to report data, not for inefficiency.
The ordinance covers approximately 1,500 properties in New Orleans, with commercial buildings making up the majority. Funding for the implementation of the program comes from a $1.5 million grant awarded to the city by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This grant will support a full-time employee dedicated to promoting the program and assisting property owners with compliance.
Benchmarking is a key component of the city’s climate action plan, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent before 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. By tracking energy use and promoting efficiency measures, cities with similar ordinances have seen a reduction in building energy use by an average of 2.4 percent annually. This can result in significant cost savings for property owners and contribute to overall sustainability goals.
New Orleans’ benchmarking ordinance is a crucial step towards achieving its climate goals and promoting sustainable building practices. By empowering building owners to take control of their energy use and invest in efficiency measures, the city is setting a positive example for other cities to follow. New Orleans has been making significant strides in reducing energy consumption in its city-owned buildings through the implementation of benchmarking. By tracking each building’s energy use for over a decade, the city has seen a substantial decrease of about 23 percent in energy use between 2018 and 2021. This success has prompted discussions about expanding benchmarking initiatives to include privately owned buildings as well.
While most cities with energy consumption tracking ordinances are located in the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast, New Orleans is looking to join the ranks of leading Southern cities in this area. Councilmember Nichols expressed his desire for New Orleans to become a pioneer in energy efficiency initiatives in the South.
However, concerns about privacy and fines have hindered the progress of the benchmarking ordinance in the city. To address these worries, the ordinance will now require property owners to disclose a building’s total energy use rather than that of its tenants or other occupants. Additionally, penalties will be waived during the first year and capped at $3,000 to alleviate financial burdens on property owners.
Despite skepticism from some city leaders, such as Councilmember Oliver Thomas, who compared the benchmarking initiative to the city’s underperforming recycling program, others believe that benchmarking is a cost-effective solution for conserving both money and energy. Councilmember Morrell emphasized that energy efficiency leads to direct cost savings, making it a valuable investment for the city.
Furthermore, tracking the energy consumption of buildings can stimulate economic growth by creating demand for skilled workers in energy upgrades. Louisiana is projected to see significant job growth in clean energy sectors, with energy efficiency expected to be the top job creator by 2030. This includes roles for architects, HVAC technicians, electricians, and insulation contractors.
In addition to job creation, benchmarking can also help alleviate strain on the city’s power grid, as demonstrated by a recent spike in power demand leading to rolling blackouts during Memorial Day weekend. By reducing energy consumption through benchmarking, the city can better manage its power supply and prevent future outages.
Overall, the potential benefits of implementing a benchmarking ordinance in New Orleans outweigh the costs, making it a valuable tool for improving energy efficiency, reducing costs, and creating job opportunities in the city. With careful planning and implementation, benchmarking could pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for New Orleans. The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the world to its core, affecting every aspect of our daily lives. From lockdowns and social distancing measures to economic downturns and healthcare crises, the impact of the virus has been unprecedented. As we slowly begin to navigate our way out of the pandemic, it is important to reflect on the lessons we have learned and how we can better prepare for future global health crises.
One of the key lessons that we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is the importance of global cooperation and collaboration. The virus knows no borders and can easily spread from one country to another. Therefore, it is essential for countries to work together to share information, resources, and expertise in order to effectively combat the spread of the virus. The pandemic has highlighted the need for a coordinated global response to health crises, as well as the importance of investing in public health infrastructure and research.
Another important lesson from the pandemic is the need to prioritize healthcare workers and essential workers. Throughout the pandemic, healthcare workers have been on the frontlines, risking their lives to care for patients and prevent the spread of the virus. It is crucial that we prioritize the safety and well-being of these workers, providing them with the necessary resources, support, and protection they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. Additionally, essential workers in sectors such as food production, transportation, and retail have also played a critical role in keeping society functioning during the pandemic. It is essential that we recognize the value of these workers and ensure that they are adequately compensated and protected.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of investing in healthcare systems and public health infrastructure. Countries with strong healthcare systems and robust public health measures have been better equipped to respond to the pandemic and mitigate its impact. As we emerge from the pandemic, it is crucial that we continue to invest in healthcare infrastructure, research, and preparedness in order to better respond to future health crises.
Lastly, the pandemic has underscored the importance of individual responsibility and community solidarity. Throughout the pandemic, individuals have had to make sacrifices and adhere to public health guidelines in order to protect themselves and others. It is essential that we continue to prioritize public health measures such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and getting vaccinated in order to prevent the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations. Additionally, community solidarity and support have been crucial in helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of the pandemic. It is important that we continue to support one another and work together to rebuild and recover from the impact of the virus.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a wake-up call for the world, highlighting the need for global cooperation, investment in healthcare systems, and individual responsibility. As we move forward, it is essential that we learn from the lessons of the pandemic and take proactive steps to better prepare for future health crises. By working together and prioritizing the health and well-being of all individuals, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
