The proliferation of city and state building energy efficiency codes, combined with the eagerness of building owners to seek LEED ratings, tells me that policymakers and the market are increasingly demanding energy efficiency in new construction.

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California was able to achieve this efficiency by establishing building codes that require energy efficiency in new construction, and by stimulating private companies to improve the efficiency of their own operations.

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Working through grantees, it has had significant impact on promoting adoption of state and federal vehicle efficiency standards, more stringent residential and commercial building codes to reduce energy consumption, and development of renewable energy technology.

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Meanwhile, wind and building-integrated solar modules with high efficiency photovoltaic materials can supplement our electrical generation capability, as stricter building codes and improved insulation can decrease the energy used to heat and cool buildings.

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