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Google leads way with 100% renewable power in 2017
- January 1, 2017: Vol. 29, Number 1

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Google leads way with 100% renewable power in 2017

by Loretta Clodfelter

Property is one of the largest users of energy in the United States, which means improved sustainability in the real estate industry can have huge impacts on the reduction of greenhouse gases to combat climate change. Commercial and residential real estate accounts for 81 percent of U.S. electricity use and 12 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, according to GRESB.

Building owners and occupiers can improve their energy consumption in two main ways — by improving the energy efficiency of their properties and by focusing on renewable power sources. In 2016, according to GRESB, real estate companies and funds in North America had a 2.9 percent reduction in energy consumption. Less talked about, though, is targeting renewable power sources, such as wind and solar, as a way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

But that may be changing.

Google Inc. has announced it will achieve 100 percent renewable power in 2017, a goal initially set in 2012, for its office

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