If you read this site much you probably already know that there is huge opportunity to save energy through efficiency improvements in buildings. The recent McKinsey report, "Unlocking Energy Efficiency in the U.S. Economy," indicates that increased green building along with efficiency improvements could save the US $1.2 Trillion.
The report examines how to increase energy efficiency in buildings and sectors using existing technology and methods. It also looks at barriers to progress and what can be done to get through them.
It concludes that a targeted investment of $50 billion per year for 10 years would produce these savings and create almost 900,000 jobs.
"This confirms a critical path forward that we have long championed. Harnessing the engine of green, energy efficient buildings can cost-effectively drive tremendous improvements in our economy and environment," USGBC President, CEO and Founding Chairman Rick Fedrizzi said in statement.
"Green building can stimulate the economy at a level one and a half times larger than the federal stimulus bill. In terms of climate change, a commitment to energy efficiency would be the equivalent to taking the entire U.S. fleet of passenger cars and light trucks -- more than 200 million vehicles -- off the road."
See the full 165 page report as a PDF document here.
Or read the related Greener Buildings story "Americans Waste $130 billion a Year on Energy."
*The image is of an energy auditor showing air leaks that waste energy.
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