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Survey Shows Only 7 Percent of Voters Know Top Cause of Greenhouse Gas Emission
As Congress revisits Energy Bill, AIA study highlights voter misconceptions about building’s contribution to global warming
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For Immediate Release |
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Washington, D.C., September 10,
2007 — Although buildings produce nearly half of all greenhouse gas
emissions contributing to global warming, a survey released today
by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) shows that 40 percent
of voters believe cars and trucks are the highest contributors,
compared to just seven percent who accurately identified buildings
as the top cause of emissions.
Studies show that buildings produce 48 percent of dangerous
greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change, and that
they consume 71 percent of electricity produced at U.S. power
plants. Despite these statistics, only aerosol cans finished behind
commercial buildings (1 percent) as being identified as the top
source for greenhouse gas emissions. Power plants (19 percent) and
natural causes (15 percent) were thought to be top contributors,
while 10 percent of respondents were not sure what the top cause
was and 8 percent responded “other.”
Although voters may not realize that homes and buildings are
responsible for half of the greenhouse gas emissions, most were
willing to invest in an energy efficient home. 91 percent said they
would be willing to pay an additional $5 thousand for a house that
would use less energy and protect the environment. Of the
respondents who would not make the extra investment, 69 percent
said they would, if they could get their money back through lower
electric and gas bills over the next seven to eight years.
“The AIA is in a position to educate all owners, both
residential and commercial developers, on the need for energy
efficient buildings. Because of the counsel architects provide, we
can offer design solutions that reduce operational costs and will
make great strides in combating climate change,” said AIA
President RK Stewart, FAIA. “On behalf of our profession and
the public interest, the AIA has a responsibility to educate and
counsel our government leaders. We are working closely with
Congress to advocate for the adoption of sustainable design
principles in the final energy bill that will be sent to the
President.”
The survey emerges as Congress reconvenes to produce a final energy
bill. Energy bills from both the House and the Senate include the
AIA’s Federal Building policy position, which requires that
all new and significantly-renovated buildings owned or leased by
the federal government be carbon-neutral by 2030.
In addition to the inclusion of the AIA’s Federal Building
policy position in the House and Senate energy bills, the AIA also
is advocating for:
• The extension and deepening of the energy efficient
commercial building tax deduction from $1.80 per square foot to
$2.25
• The construction of a “Sun Wall” on the Department
of Energy’s (DOE) headquarters in Washington D.C. that will
generate 200kW of electricity
• Establishing a national energy efficiency goal for all
sectors of the U.S. economy
• Establishing an Office of Green Buildings within the General
Services Administration (GSA) and a consortium that includes
architects to advise
• The creation of a Zero-Energy Commercial Buildings
Initiative at DOE to focus on the goal of carbon neutrality
The AIA will continue working with the members of the conference
committee to ensure the final energy bill makes the federal
government a leader in energy efficient buildings.
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample
of 1,000 voters in the United States. The survey was developed for
the American Institute of Architects by The Tarrance Group and Lake
Research Partners. The margin of error for the sample overall is
+/-3.1%.
About The American Institute of
Architects
For 150 years, members of The American Institute of Architects have
worked with each other and their communities to create more
valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and
cityscapes. AIA members have access to the right people, knowledge,
and tools to create better design, and through such resources and
access, they help clients and communities make their visions real.
www.aia.org
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