Decarbonizing the Built Environment through Equitable Thermal and Building Science

There is no pathway to a clean energy future that does not prioritize a transformation in how we use, store, and generate energy in our buildings. Buildings in the U.S. are responsible for 74% of electricity consumption, 39% of U.S. energy usage, and 35% of U.S. carbon emissions. To meet our clean energy goals, practical and viable energy storage solutions are necessary to align energy efficient consumption with clean energy generation. Novel and innovative thermal energy storage solutions are needed to provide the most effective and viable pathways towards this end.

However, as we rapidly develop scientific and technical solutions that enable a clean energy future, we have to prioritize (1) the people living and working in these buildings, (2) how buildings impact communities, and (3) a just transition, in which benefits and costs are more equitably distributed. There is no one-size-fits all solution for clean energy technologies in buildings, and if we do not intentionally identify and address unique challenges, solutions and plans will not scale and achieve national impact.

The talk will conclude by challenging the scientific community to examine the connection between equitable and scientifically credible R&D.