Why you should ditch deadly fossil-fuel appliances | Donnel Baird
Nov 14, 2023
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Donnel Baird, an energy upgrader, shares his ambitious plan of retrofitting millions of buildings with all-electric equipment to eliminate the use of fossil fuels in homes. He highlights the harmful effects of gas leaks and the importance of transitioning to greener and smarter electric systems. The podcast also discusses the role of cities in reducing emissions and electrifying to combat climate change, and explores the concept of creative confidence and overcoming fear of judgment.
Replacing fossil-fuel appliances in buildings with all-electric equipment is essential for combating the climate crisis.
Retrofitting buildings with all-electric technology can improve safety, reduce emissions, and enhance the efficiency of homes and buildings.
Deep dives
The Importance of Greening Buildings in America
Danel Baird emphasizes that greening buildings in America is crucial due to the outdated and dangerous methods of heating and powering homes. He highlights that 30% of American emissions are generated from buildings, and without addressing this issue, it is impossible to respond to the climate crisis effectively. Danel Baird introduces the concept of making buildings 100% electric, using innovative technologies such as electric induction ovens and cold climate heat pumps, which can significantly reduce emissions and improve the safety and efficiency of buildings. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities involved in the electrification process, such as financing, workforce training, and data collection.
The Hazards of Fossil Fuel-powered Buildings
Danel Baird shares personal experiences and research findings regarding the dangers of relying on fossil fuel infrastructure in buildings. He highlights the risks associated with gas leakages, such as carbon monoxide poisoning, asthma, and exposure to carcinogens like benzene. These concerns extend to both low-income and high-income buildings, with significant health implications for residents. Baird stresses the urgent need to unhook buildings from fossil fuels and transition to all-electric systems that are safer and cleaner.
The Possibility and Impact of Building Electrification
Danel Baird outlines the possibilities and benefits of building electrification. He discusses the potential to make buildings all-electric and decrease reliance on fossil fuels through the use of renewable energy sources like solar power and cold climate heat pumps. Baird emphasizes that electrifying buildings is not a simple task and involves overcoming challenges in areas such as financing, workforce training, and data collection. However, he highlights successful initiatives in cities like Ithaca, New York, San Jose, and Menlo Park that have committed to decarbonizing their buildings. Baird believes that if one building can be electrified, it can inspire the electrification of entire neighborhoods, cities, and eventually countries, making significant strides towards reducing emissions and combating climate change.
In the US, people spend the overwhelming majority of their time inside buildings that burn fossil fuels, which are bad for both the environment and human health. (Think: breathing in air pollution from gas stoves, furnaces and water heaters.) If we're going to fix this problem, we need to retrofit millions of buildings with all-electric equipment, says energy upgrader Donnel Baird. Hear about his ambitious plan to rip the fossil fuel infrastructure out of aging buildings and upgrade it with smarter, cleaner, healthier technology.