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New Brighton Climate Action Plan 3 -1 <br />Addressing the resilience of our building inventory and <br />energy supply while reducing their GHG emissions. <br />As both culprits and victims of climate change, buildings <br />account for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions <br />through their energy use. Meanwhile, their vulnerability <br />to climate threats highlights the importance of energy- <br />efficient and renewable-integrated designs. <br /> <br />The built environment, especially in the Midwest, faces <br />increasing risk from climate events. Temperature <br />extremes, heavy rain, and intense storms can impact <br />structures, energy use, and occupant health. Changing <br />freeze-thaw cycles can degrade materials. <br /> <br />The escalating risk underscores the need for climate- <br />resilient practices. Building design should consider <br />improved insulation, flood-resistance, and structural <br />resilience. Urban planning can incorporate green spaces <br />and permeable surfaces to manage water and reduce <br />urban heat islands. Thus, a climate-resilient future <br />demands transforming buildings into low-carbon, energy- <br />efficient, and climate-adaptive structures. <br /> <br />Saving Money and Reducing Emissions <br />Through the Inflation Reduction Act <br />The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act offers tax credits to <br />incentivize cleaner energy adoption, reducing costs and <br />addressing climate change. Credits include used electric <br />vehicles, energy-efficient home improvements, and <br />residential clean energy installations. The Act supports <br />job creation and benefits disadvantaged <br />communities. Key credits include a previously owned <br />clean vehicles credit, offering a maximum of $4,000 for <br />the purchase of used electric vehicles, and an energy- <br />efficient home improvement credit, providing up to <br />$1,200 per year for energy-efficient installations and <br />upgrades in homes, and a 30% tax credit for solar PV and <br />solar thermal installations. <br />Climate Impacts <br />This sector impacts climate change through the <br />combustion of fossil fuels (gasoline, diesel, <br />propane) for on-road cars and trucks and off- <br />road vehicles and equipment. <br /> <br />Climate Hazards <br />Hazards to buildings and energy involve <br />extreme weather and fiood-induced <br />infrastructure damage, more frequent power <br />outages, and increased energy demand and <br />costs due to weather fiuctuations and rising <br />temperatures. <br />86% <br />of survey respondents <br />support one or more strategy <br />advancing renewable energy <br />in New Brighton. <br />Equity Considerations <br />The shift towards sustainable energy, though <br />necessary, entails signiflcant investment and <br />could potentially magnify social inequalities in <br />New Brighton. Financial constraints may <br />prevent individuals from enhancing their <br />homes' energy efflciency or participating in <br />renewable energy projects. As fossil fuel <br />usage diminishes, the costs of sustaining these <br />systems could rise, intensifying flnancial <br />pressure. This impact is particularly profound <br />among economically vulnerable groups who <br />are also at higher risk from climate change <br />effects. <br />Buildings and Energy <br />Click here to <br />return to TOC