Use less, Make more, Share

       

Further reading

• Energy Efficiency in Buildings (79)

There is a mantra from the World Business Council for a Sustainable Development, WBCSD, in their first report on the building industry; an industry that they find complex and fragmented. This characteristic also results in the industry systematically misjudging costs and opportunities. They should, in short, have a more holistic approach to make more of their resources.

And as for the mantra, what does it mean and imply?

• Use less energy
• Make more energy (locally)
• Share surplus energy (through an intelligent grid)

But there are already huge gains to be made from existing technologies, WBCSD says. Improve energy efficiency by 35% and reduce the heating costs by 80%.