Architecture 2030 Plan Seeks to Create Jobs, Reduce Greenhouse Gases

Architecture 2030 is a non-profit, non-partisan, independent organization established in response to the global-warming crisis.  Its core mission is to transform the global building sector from a major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions to part of the solution to the global-warming crisis.  The organization seeks to achieve a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by changing the way buildings and developments are planned, designed and constructed.

Its One-Year, 4.5-Million-Jobs Investment Plan initiative seeks to create new employment and $296 billion in direct, non-federal investment and spending and open a $47.6 billion renovation market that could total $1 trillion by 2030.

The Architecture 2030 Plan involves energy efficiency incentive grants to “buy down the interest rate” on mortgages used to purchase new energy-efficient homes or remodel existing ones  It proposes a one percent full interest rate buy-down for a new home that uses 50 percent less energy than present standards, or a home energy modification that would reduce consumption of an existing residence to 30 percent.  For example, if a mortgage interest rate quote is 4.75 percent, the plan would offer an interest buy-down which would reduce the interest rate a full percentage point, to 3.75 percent.

During the year the plan is in effect, consumers would save $11.7 billion in energy costs and mortgage payments, reducing the risk of foreclosure.  Even if only 2.3 percent of the nation’s housing stock participates, the plan will reduce CO₂ emissions by 11.5 MMT CO₂ and on-site energy consumption by 104 TBu.  Because these benefits are continuous, consumers will save $58.6 billion in energy costs over five years and a minimum of 57.6 MMT CO₂e.