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Your guide to green living in Montgomery County, MD |
Somehow, we all are still here after the catastrophic year formerly known as 2020. We don’t have to relive it, mainly because we are still living through it currently. Just like everyone else in the world the renewable energy industry took a hard hit due to the pandemic. As we all adjust to the new normal of daily mask wearing, unlimited hand sanitizer and a constant 6 feet of space, many in the renewable energy industry may be asking the question? Does energy efficiency even matter post-pandemic?
Well, the simple answer is YES. So, in response to COVID-19, some companies will need to retrofit or expand their facilities to safely accommodate their employees. When these companies’ welcome back employees it becomes their responsibility to keep their workers as safe as possible. Remote operations capacity does reduce the number of people required to be on-site, eliminating a potentially high cost at a critical time. Now more than ever, the quality of a building’s indoor environment can significantly impact our physical and mental health, well-being, and economic productivity; poor air quality, temperatures that are too hot or too cold, and mold and damp are damaging to health, exposing us to more risk. Improving buildings is also a means for cities to dramatically cut their emissions. Worldwide, buildings account for 40% of CO2 emissions and offer the greatest and lowest-cost potential for reducing them.
The pandemic is a strong force, but the future impact of the renewable energy space will be felt for years to come. I would be remised if I didn’t mention the fact that building retrofit and repurposing is labor-intensive work that can create a significant number of jobs and inject money into local businesses and supply chains, many of which will be small and medium-sized enterprises. By using this time to invest in retrofits, cities and private property owners will enable their buildings to operate more safely and efficiently and will make savings on their energy bills.
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After reading the post discussing the ongoing relevance of energy efficiency post-pandemic, I found myself reflecting on the broader implications of our choices on various aspects of our lives. Just as we continue to prioritize sustainable practices for the environment, it’s important to recognize the connection between our actions and mental health.
The pandemic has highlighted the interplay between our well-being and the environment around us. By nurturing a healthier planet, we indirectly contribute to better mental health for ourselves and future generations. It’s a reminder that our holistic well-being encompasses both the world we live in and the state of our minds.
Speaking of mental health, I recently came across Calmerry: https://calmerry.com/ a platform that provides valuable resources for maintaining mental well-being. Let’s keep in mind that our choices ripple through multiple dimensions of our lives, including our mental health and the environment we inhabit.