Net Zero Framework for Holistic Climate Planning

Environmental benefits are plentiful when following a net zero pathway, both in the short and long term. Net zero planning can address common sources of pollutants that power plants, industrial facilities, and cars emit. Common pollutants of environmental health concern such as Nitrous Oxides (NOx), Sulfur Oxides (SOx), and Particulate Matter 2.5 & 10 (PM 2.5 & PM 10) can be mitigated. When NOx reacts to sunlight and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), smog, or tropospheric ozone, is created, which can hinder breathing and exacerbate asthma and other respiratory illnesses. SOx undergoes a similar process, producing acid rain and impacting public health. PM 2.5 and PM 10 are microscopic particles that can travel through airways and affect those with chronic illnesses.

Moreover, energy generated from fossil fuels typically requires large amounts of water. By increasing energy efficiency and clean energy, water use can be minimized. The U.S. Department of Energy found energy efficiency and renewable energy will lead to decreased water consumption in 36 states, saving enough water to hydrate 1.3 million households.[1] Longer-term environmental benefits include minimizing climate change impacts such as excessive heat, sea level rise, and storm frequency and volatility. One multi-benefit solution of note is the use of green infrastructure (GI). GI can help to mitigate stormwater runoff, improve air quality through reduced smog and particulate pollution, lessen habitat erosion, and reduce urban heat island impacts in addition to reducing heating loads for buildings and serving as a carbon sink.[2]

One of the strengths of a holistic net zero planning process is the explicit inclusion of equity. Stabilizing energy prices and offering lower prices can benefit lower-income and environmental justice communities (EJ) who are more likely to experience energy insecurity.[1] The cost savings can allow these communities to spend more money on other essentials such as food, transportation, and health care. Improving lower-income housing, which traditionally has been less energy efficient than homes of more affluent individuals, to the efficiency levels of the median household would phase out 35% of the excess energy burden in the US.[2] By including underserved communities in the movement toward net zero, municipalities can embed equity into systems that will benefit all.

MAPC’s State of Equity Report highlights existing inequalities in the MAPC region. For instance Black youth experience 2.7 times higher asthma hospitalization rates than do white youth and the rates for Latino youth have increased 22% over the past 5 years. Black and Latino youth would benefit from a net zero strategy that reduces carbon emissions and environmental pollutants. A holistic net zero strategy could also support workforce development in a region in which those without college degrees have experienced declines in their labor force participation. [3] The cleantech job boom, from solar installations and energy efficiency retrofits to the construction, operation, and maintenance of green buildings, could create local, living-wage opportunities for underserved populations in their own communities. In 2016, MassCEC reported a 17% increase in the hiring of workers who have earned associate’s degrees or high school diplomas.[4] Approximately 70% of clean energy workers earn more than $50,000, above the state’s overall median wage of $45,573.[5] Most importantly, net zero planning could help a community to avoid exacerbating pre-existing inequalities – such as those experienced in EJ communities[6] – with an explicit goal to create a more level playing field for all.

[1] Energy insecurity occurs when households spend a disproportionate amount of their income on their energy utility expenses. Lower-income families typically live in homes that lack structural improvements that wealthier families can afford which provide energy efficiency and therefore lower energy costs. For African-American, Latino, and renting households their excess energy burdens could be eliminated by 42%, 68%, and 97% respectively.

_{“Lifting the High Energy Burden in America’s Largest Cities: How Energy Efficiency Can Improve Low Income and Underserved Communities.” ACEEE: Ariel Drehobl and Lauren Ross. (2016) https://aceee.org/sites/default/files/publications/researchreports/u1602.pdf
[2] Ibid.
[3] “State of Equity Report Update.” Metropolitan Area Planning Council. (2017). https://www.mapc.org/state-equity-report-update
[4] “Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report.” Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. (2016) https://files.masscec.com/2016%20MassCEC_IndustryReport_Full_Web.pdf
[5] Ibid.
[6] Environmental justice is based on the principle that all people have a right to be protected from environmental pollution and to live in and enjoy a clean and healthful environment. Environmental justice is the equal protection and meaningful involvement of all people with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies and the equitable distribution of environmental benefits.}

_{“Environmental Justice Policy of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs.” Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. (2017) https://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/eea/ej/2017-environmental-justice-policy.pdf}