[ChumpGPT]

If you're serious about global warming we could change the building code for residential/commercial. With just a swipe of a pen you could reduce the need for more power plants, cut pollution and CO2 and make a massive impact on not only the environment but the money saved on less energy used. It wouldn't require anything but better building practices and perhaps more insulation, better windows, geothermal HVAC, etc. Totally doable and low hanging fruit. Perhaps not as exciting as superbatteries though.

[jbm]

I know it was meant as a throw-away part to the comment, but geothermal HVAC is extremely expensive.

I live in Calgary and I looked into it. $50k, which is more than 10% of the value of my house; if people are complaining about house prices right now, they will be more-so when this gets priced in.

Let me put it another way; Radon is a major problem in Canada, and any reduction is a plus. Getting radon reduction is a pittance; about $2k; however, instead of just biting the bullet and making it a mandatory part of buying and selling houses in the Praries, they leave it "to the home owner".

In short, while I agree with you, these sorts of building codes will never happen.

[ChumpGPT]

>I know it was meant as a throw-away part to the comment, but geothermal HVAC is extremely expensive. I live in Calgary and I looked into it. $50k

I understand your point but what's interesting is many folks won't even blink when you tell them their kitchen is going to be 50k or their interlock driveway and landscaping is going to be 100k. But you tell them their Geothermal is 50k or Spray foam insulation for the entire house is 30k and they look at you like you threaten their lives.

[tpm]

That's what the EU is doing for about 15-20 years already, with ever more stringent rules for new buildings. It's not all low hanging fruits though, as the buildings get more to zero energy demand, the construction has to be more precise and more expensive with all the insulation and proofing, triple glazing etc. Of course in the long run it will pay for itself.

[hedora]

That’s already being done, but it only reduces heating/cooling which is 15% of emissions. Also, houses last longer than cars, so the impact of better building codes will take many decades to materialize.

[tuatoru]

Got to do it now!!, then.