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Session Q05 - Federal Policy Initiatives and Physics Research Aspects of Sustainable Technology
Invited session, Friday morning, March 24, 8:00
Ballroom A6, San Jose Convention Center
Between 1973 and 1985, when cheap energy was percieved as "running out," the energy efficiency of almost all new products doubled. Many non-scientists believe that this doubling "used up" the potential for further efficiency increases, but in fact, progress in energy efficiency can continue for perhaps several more factors of two-doubling every 20 years. If this comes to pass, the world can increase its GDP by 3 to 4% annually without increasing its use of fossil fuel. Accordingly, the Clinton administration has adopted the following goals for new buildings built after 2000: (1) Halve energy and maintenance costs. (2) Increase productivity and reduce sick leave by 20% (3) Double building service life, thus reducing landfill. (4) Double the efficiency of appliances and equipment. Many examples will be discussed.
Achieving energy efficiency's full technical potential will require market transformation. The Clinton Administration's Climate Change Action Plan challenges utilities and industry to offer energy efficiency progams, and governments to procure only energy-efficient products; it offers "golden carrots" (financial incentives) to appliance manufacturers to produce products which beat existing standards, and it offers both energy efficiency ratings for homes, and better mortgages for energy-efficient homes.