Content courtesy of Enviro Centre & Pembina Institute
Carbon Dioxide Removal in a Net-Zero North America
The US and Canada are two of many nations committed to keeping the global temperature rise below 1.5°C relative to pre-industrial levels. To contribute to this, their goal is to reduce emissions by 40-45% from 2005 levels by 2030, and then achieve net-zero in 2050. A state of net-zero emissions means the amount of greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere must be balanced by removal out of the atmosphere. Net-zero can be achieved with early, deep and sustained reductions of direct emissions, and then tackling the remaining hard-to-reduce emissions with additional tools like carbon dioxide removal (CDR). No less an authority than the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has noted the need for CDR, saying: “The deployment of CDR to counterbalance hard-to-abate residual emissions is unavoidable if net-zero CO2 or GHG emissions are to be achieved.”
The science shows clearly that in order to avert the worst impacts of climate change and preserve a livable planet, global temperature increase needs to be limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Currently, the Earth is already about 1.1°C warmer than it was in the late 1800s, and emissions continue to rise. To keep global warming to no more than 1.5°C – as called for in the Paris Agreement – emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
Net-zero homes are designed to be up to 80 per cent more efficient than conventional homes, so they require less energy to begin with. They can be oriented to take advantage of warmth and light from the sun, known as passive heating. A net-zero home generates as much energy as it uses, so the net amount of energy it purchases from the local hydro company is zero. It’s an idea that’s gaining popularity as people become more interested in having a home that is more comfortable and resilient, and also reduces costs to their pocketbooks as homeowners.
Every part of the house works together with windows that offer impressive thermal performance and values that reach Passive House and Net-zero targets. A Net-zero home consistent temperatures throughout, prevent drafts, and filter indoor air to reduce dust and allergens. The result: exceptional energy performance and the ultimate in comfort – a home at the forefront of sustainability.
It all adds up to a better living experience!
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