Today, with gasoline prices still hovering around $4.oo/gallon, the talk is “drill, drill, drill” – anywhere for oil. Never mind that delivery might be 10 years in the future, or the amount might be relatively small compared to demand, or it might be a lot more expensive. At least something is being done, a perhaps psychologically soothing thought. But the real low lying fruit is not in the ground. It is immediately at hand. It is simply providing a better insulation envelope around the buildings already constructed (both commercial and residential), and for those still in the planning stages. A 35% to 50% reduction in heating and cooling cost could be realized. And best of all, the opportunity is huge. Using the LEEDs Green Building Guidelines as a baseline, only 2% of all commercial buildings and 0.3% of residential homes currently meet these standards. Not only is energy savings (and related green house gas reduction) a gift that never stops giving, it is also renewable. Each year further reductions are possible as even more new technologies come to market.
So where’s the Beef??? It’s not in the drilling, that’s for sure. The word “drilling” may offer some sizzle, but drilling only replaces today’s high priced energy with more of the same. The “Beef” is in energy conservation. It is good for the pocketbook and the environment. As individuals, utilities and governments grapple for answers, one of the best and simplest answers is immediately at hand. And no new technologies are needed. Just do it. Our public officials need to realize that is where the Beef is.
