Last week’s decision for the United States to withdraw from the Paris Accord was a gut punch – a reneging on an international treaty the United States facilitated, and abdication of responsibility from a problem we helped create.
Here at GreenSpot, we believe there’s cause for hope.
The world is in the midst of one of the greatest energy transitions in history – shifting to high efficiencies and renewable energy from carbon-based fuels. The Paris Accord facilitates this and provides accountability for signatories. The remaining 195 countries who signed the agreement intend to adhere to their self-determined carbon-reduction goals.
Already over 1,000 businesses, nine states, 125 cities and hundreds of universities have committed to stay on course with Paris carbon-reduction goals.
We also signed the commitment. At GreenSpot, we work at the level of the built environment – homes, buildings and developments. We believe the homes where we live and buildings where we work can help solve the world’s climate crisis.
These structures can put more energy back into the power grid than they take. And their energy efficiencies and renewable energy can spin carbon meters backwards. ‘All while meeting and exceeding market fundamentals and expectations for real estate ownership, development and sale. In fact, we believe building that doesn’t step up to these higher standards is on a quick trip to obsolescence.
While we’ve agreed to reduce carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050, we intend to do even better.
OUR MISSION – To reverse climate change through the built environment
We believe net-zero energy and carbon, while laudable, aren’t good enough. Merely freezing meters at zero won’t draw carbon from the atmosphere or reverse climate change. Therefore in every building we own, we’ll make it net-positive energy and negative carbon emissions whenever we can. And we’ll help clients do the same.
We’re heartened to see the global outpouring of support for honoring the Paris Accord from American states, cities and businesses. If you want to discuss how you can do the same, reach out to us. We’ll help you any way we can.
IMAGES: Green American flag (San Francisco Green Drinks)