At Livable, our livelihood is power and utilities, so, of course, we are big on how conservation and the wise use of our resources can counteract worrisome trends such as climate change. This global phenomenon has already impacted us in California with the now-continuous threat of drought and wildfires and will only get worse if we don’t make energy conservation a priority.
The Union of Concerned Scientists is committed to the well-being of our planet and is urging people just like you and me to take action against our current carbon-producing path.
Higher temperatures put a bigger drain on our natural resources and dramatically increase utility bills. “We can’t simply air condition our way out of this problem. We have to bring a wide suite of tools. We have to be thinking about smart climate design of buildings and communities.” - Rachel Cleetus
This means everything from pouring cooler pavement to greening our rooftops, but it doesn’t stop there. As a nation, we will need to make more comprehensive changes: moving to low-carbon energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, and improving land-use practices to store more carbon in soil and vegetation instead of releasing it into the atmosphere.
In California, we hold a historic average of 40 days per year above 90 degrees. If our carbon footprint continues on this path it is predicted this average would increase to 68 days per year by mid-century and 92 by the year 3000. Days above 105 degrees would go from three days per year on average to 13 at mid-century and 25 by century’s end. A nationwide county-by-county breakdown is available.
In some cities, these temperatures may actually go significantly above the expected amounts because the higher density and lower tree canopy can trap heat for longer than in surrounding areas. This effect is known as the “urban heat island”.
“To give ourselves the best chance of keeping global average warming below 3.6°F (2°C), in line with the goals of the Paris climate agreement, the United States must invest in these and other bold solutions alongside robust global action, to get to net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by midcentury,” according to the report “Killer Heat in the United States: The Future of Dangerously Hot Days.”
Enrolling with Livable doesn’t cost, it saves. Our system includes recovery data and estimates that are designed to help reduce your environmental footprint while generating revenue for your property. Book a call today to speak with a talented team member.
Dishwashers not only add value and desirability to an apartment but can also lower water and energy bills compared to handwashing, according to the Energy Star website. An Energy Star dishwasher uses less than half as much energy as handwashing and saves nearly 5,000 gallons of water a year. Over the lifetime of the dishwasher, that energy reduction will save $431 versus handwashing.