GLUMAC - Engineers for a sustainable future

Josh Fleischmann, San Francisco Mechanical Designer

There has been considerable movement in both state and federal legislature to bring about carbon policy change in recent months. Individual states have taken the lead in developing comprehensive programs of regulatory and market mechanisms that have thus far earned large support. Cap-and-trade systems in concept will either auction off emission allowances or allocate them for free, both system designs carry with them advantages and disadvantages. California's carbon emissions legislation is considered to be one of the most comprehensive, achieving real, quantifiable, cost-effective solutions to GHG emissions.

California - AB 32 - California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006

AB 32 requires that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) be responsible for monitoring and reducing GHG emissions. To do this the Board has developed a so-called "draft scoping plan" which describes the measures to be used for reaching AB 32's GHG reduction goals. The major goals put forth by AB 32 are;

• By year 2020, GHG's reduced to 1990 levels.
• By year 2050, GHG's reduced to 80% below 1990 levels.

The CARB plans are to adopt a mixed approach to reduce carbon emissions. A cap-and-trade system is a part of that approach. Scheduled to start in 2012, the cap-and-trade scheme will cover the energy and industrial sectors that are responsible for 85% of emissions. Only approximately 20% of the GHG reduction will come from implementing the cap-and-trade system, the rest are expected to come through regulation. The most significant reduction efforts will be focused on the transportation sectors, by initiating stricter vehicle emission standards, increased funding for mass transit and building high-speed rail systems.

There are other states in the western U.S. that have undertaken similar legislature to confront GHG emissions as well. Here is a brief synopsis of related carbon policy bills from the states of Oregon and Washington.

Oregon - House Bill 3543: Global Warming Actions

House Bill 3543 sets up two major organizations. The first is the Oregon Global Warming Commission, where members are appointed based on their experience in various social, environmental and economic fields of interest. Members of this group will work to reduce GHG emissions and prepare Oregon for the effects of global warming. A primary objective of this organization is energy reduction in buildings including a mission for "net zero emission buildings".

The second is the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute, administered by Oregon State University. Primary objectives of the research institute are to support the Oregon Global Warming Commission by conducting research and providing the latest information on climate change to the public. The major goals put forth by HB 3543 are;

By 2010, arrest growth and begin to reduce GHG emissions

• By year 2020, GHG's reduced to 10% below 1990 levels.
• By year 2050, GHG's reduced to 75% below 1990 levels.

In recent news, the Governor of Oregon has announced a new climate change executive order to help achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals. Governor Kulongoski has proposed a legislative package that will make key investments in greenhouse gas reduction, energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation.

Washington - House Bill 2815

House Bill 2815 sets up the Washington Climate Change Initiative. As was the case in Oregon's Commission, members are selected from a wide range of the state's industry and educational communities to develop recommendations for meeting emission reduction goals and to prepare the state, its committees and citizens, for the effects of climate change. Washington State University will assist by conducting research into conservation and renewable energy technologies. The major goals put forth by HB 2815 are;

• By year 2020, GHG's reduced to 1990 levels.
• By year 2020, Triple number of clean energy related jobs.
• By year 2020, Reduce expenditures on imported fuels by 20%.
• By year 2050, GHG's reduced to 50% below 1990 levels.

Each of these states of the western U.S. has taken the initiative in carbon policy. In the case of California's AB 32 bill, it has been passed by the state legislature and now awaits approval for the many emission reduction strategies. The most difficult will likely be the cap-and-trade scheme and how to answer the question of allocating emission allowances. Also, with regards to the 2008 presidential election, both candidates have said they will implement a cap-and-trade system as a means of combating GHG emissions, making this emission reduction strategy especially important to come to terms with.

There are many firms and organizations realizing the benefits that go along with energy efficient and sustainable design. To honor the hard-work and commitment of our clients who choose this path, Glumac has instituted the "Glumac Carbon Consciousness Award." As shown in the image below, the Carbon Consciousness Award displays a projects annual carbon footprint reduction, to educate its occupants and visitors of the efforts being made.