Re:”Hick’s chance for climate realism,” Feb. 24 Vincent Carroll column.
As Colorado ponders the best methods to attain acceptable levels of greenhouse gas emissions, we ultimately have two options: increase the generation of clean “green” energy, and/or reduce the demand for fossil fuels. Any solution will have to include a wise combination of both.
Vincent Carroll’s column accurately presents the difficulty of achieving Gov. Bill Ritter’s goal of 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, but he focuses almost exclusively on the “generation” side of the equation, contending that the goal is unachievable “assuming the same rate of increase in energy demand that occurred between 1997 and 2007.”
I recommend against that assumption, because Colorado homebuilders are working to reduce the demand. For example, in partnership with vendors and others, we created a modernistic “Challenge House” last year to benefit charity via proceeds from the home’s sale. The home’s energy efficiency has kept utility bills as low as $25 for an entire month, according to the new owner — and that’s without the benefit of solar panels, which our company now offers standard on all new single-family units.
A key to the achievement of best possible levels of energy efficiency lies in measurement by independent third parties, and many homebuilders these days can provide a Home Energy Rating Score (HERS). A modern, code-built home measures at 100 (par). Our homes will be about 45 percent more energy efficient than that “par” home.
We will put a huge dent in those efforts to reach Gov. Ritter’s 2020 goal if we can emphasize the HERS score on all homes for sale, including resales. As increasing numbers of sellers publicize that score, more buyers will demand to know what it is before completing the transaction.
We can get to where we want to be in terms of energy efficiency, but it will require both generation and conservation.
Gene Myers is chief executive officer at New Town Builders, a Denver-based home building company.
