by Jessica Babb
In April 2022, the State of California power grid (California Independent System Operator – a provider of about 80% of the state’s energy) achieved 100% renewable energy supply for approximately an hour. Solar power was the leading supplier of this renewable energy. However, other renewable energy sources used to meet these goals included:
- Wind
- Geothermal
- Biomass
- Biogas
- (Small) Hydroelectric
Renewable energy records continue to be met and exceeded this year. And legislation such as Senate Bill 100 (“The 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018”) are supporting California’s ambitious energy goals.
In Washington State (a state with similar energy goals, supported by local legislation), the LEED building standards provide a foundation for achieving energy efficiency goals in the realm of residential and commercial construction projects. LEED stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” and is a national standard created by the U.S. Green Building Council. In some instances, local agencies require construction projects to achieve LEED goals and ratings.
LEED and other green building certifications aim to reduce negative impacts to the environment/human health and promote sustainable energy consumption and building construction. Higher efficiency (carbon-saving) buildings reduce demands on local power grids and save money. Improved green building standards have historically produced energy savings capable of powering hundreds of thousands of additional homes!
Although natural gas (and other non-renewable energy sources) continues to provide important backup support to power grids in states like California and Washington, renewable energy and green building practices are the new standard. RGI is excited to work with clients in Seattle (among other regions) on LEED-rated and other green building projects.
