As reported by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, the building sector is the 2nd largest source of carbon pollution in the state (25% of emissions). A primary factor is that  much of New Jersey’s building stock is old.  With poor insulation and leaky joints/seams, old buildings waste enormous amounts of energy during the winter and summer.  Also, modern heating/cooling systems (and most appliances) are far more efficient than older equipment. Addressing these issues is a win-win because the improvements lower monthly heating expenses while also creating less carbon pollution. And, as is of true of many energy savings and clean energy programs and ideas, federal legislation presents opportunities for New Jessey to incentivize homeowners, business owners, and municipalities to reduce the upfront costs incurred in making their buildings more energy efficient.

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While investing in building energy efficiency is a foundational strategy, there are many opportunities to make advancements that are specific to particular types of buildings. In the residential and commercial sector, there are opportunities to update building codes, and to partner with owners of multi-family housing to lower energy costs for their tenants. As health care professionals, we have been pushing NJ healthcare systems to adopt aggressive carbon pollution reduction targets, especially since healthcare systems are one of the largest consumers of energy in the nation. 

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A core aspect of our buildings work revolves around equity. Low-income and Black, Brown, and indigenous households experience a highly disproportionate energy burden (and carbon pollution impact) compared to higher-income households.  While existing state programs can help make energy bills more affordable, without the expansion and improvement of these programs, accessibility will continue to be a barrier.

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Broadly,  as is happening in the transportation sector,  we need to "decarbonize" our buildings. That is, to increasingly rely on electricity, and remove diesel, natural gas and other fossil fuels from our homes and businesses. Not only will these changes drive carbon pollution down, people living or working in old buildings will experience much improved indoor air quality (e.g., reducing mold and mildew to eliminating the health problems proven to be caused by gas stoves).​