Supporting climate-resilient action, the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) 2022 invests $369 billion to modernize the U.S. energy system and—in combination with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021, other enacted policies and past actions—to drive 2030 economy-wide GHG emissions to 40 percent below 2005 levels.20
The IRA expected emissions reductions anticipated by 2030 total nearly 1,150 million tonnes (1,131 million tons) CO2eq, equivalent to the approximate combined annual emissions released from every home in the U.S. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) expects the pollution reductions from these provisions to increase across all sectors beyond 2030, ensuring continued progress toward the nation’s 2050 net-zero emissions goal.21
The IRA’s tax credits, grants, loans, and other programs are funding the construction, renovation, and improvement of energy-efficiency homes and multifamily residences, commercial buildings, and government facilities including schools and federal buildings. State, county, and city policies and laws, corporate and nonprofit practices, building codes, and sustainable building programs also provide additional support.
Focused on lowering buildings’ energy consumption and GHG emissions, 73 percent of the 20 largest architecture/engineering firms, responsible for more than $100 billion in construction annually, have adopted the 2030 challenge. According to a recent poll of design industry leaders, approximately 40 percent of all U.S. architecture firms have adopted the challenge.22
Call to action and architectural zinc
Specification professionals have a unique role in mitigating climate change and its effects through selecting materials, products, and practices that reduce buildings’ operational and embodied carbon. Architectural zinc material and product manufacturers can offer support and sustainable solutions as well.
In North America, architectural zinc can be specified as manufactured with energy-efficient, low-carbon processes, validated with product-specific documentation. The installation of architectural zinc as roofing, wall cladding, and other building products, supports climate-resilient, low-maintenance performance, and occupants’ safety and health. With a lifespan of 100 years or more, architectural zinc saves time, material, and money. Infinitely recyclable, zinc continues to add value beyond the life of the building.
