The energy (reduction) potential in America’s building stock is a tremendous resource, equivalent to tapping a second Saudi Arabia. The energy appetite of America’s buildings is enormous, but we can begin to cut back on the excess without sacrificing comfort or performance.
Craig Sieben spoke to this theme last week before the Realty Club of Chicago in a speech entitled “America’s Building Stock – The Second Saudi Arabia.” Craig referenced the excellent work of Art Rosenfeld, an award-winning scientist, one of the earliest promoters of energy efficiency in the U.S.—and one of Craig’s personal mentors.
In his speech, Craig emphasized smart and simple examples of what building owners and managers can do to cut back on their energy consumption. Reducing the energy appetite of our buildings is one small step towards a goal of U.S. energy independence. How can this be? Let’s do the math.
In 2008, the U.S. imported 1.5 million barrels of oil per day from Saudi Arabia. We consumed about 19.5 million barrels per d ...
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What is the realistic potential for energy and cost reduction in our nation’s buildings through energy efficiency? Craig Sieben will be answering that question during an address before the Realty Club this Friday, March 19. This private event will be held at the Union League Club of Chicago. The Realty Club, celebrating its 100th birthday this year, consists of a group of developers, architects, attorneys, economists, brokers, appraisers, and other professionals involved in real estate. They invited Craig to speak about the value inherent in making our existing buildings more energy-efficient. The title of his speech, "America’s Building Stock – the Second Saudi Arabia," hints at a value that may greatly surpass most people’s expectations. What does Craig mean by the "second Saudi Arabia" in our buildings? Check out this blog again the week after this event for a summary of his message to the Realty Club.
On Wednesday, March 3, Jerry Burin and I will be attending the North American Energy Conference sponsored by Enbridge Gas Services. This annual event, to be held this year at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center, provides background on the U.S. natural gas market—where it has been, where it is now, and where it may be going.
The first of two scheduled keynote speakers is a director from the American Gas Association. He is expected to provide fundamental analysis of natural gas supply, demand, production, and consumption. The second speaker, a vice president from United ICAP, is expected to provide a technical and financial perspective on the natural gas market and the economy as a whole. Previous conferences have provided a wealth of information. This year, it will be particularly interesting to hear what the speakers may have to say about prospects for climate legislation, including cap-and-trade.
Over the past few years, the natural gas market has certainly been in flux. Prices rose to multi-year highs in t ...
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