Psychological Barriers to Decarbonization
The real estate industry and the industries in its sphere of influence are awakenings to the realization that fossil fuel-fired equipment has a limited future in buildings. As asset managers, sustainability managers, and their consultants pursue decarbonization plans, they often stumble over what we’ll refer to as decarbonization “blind spots” or mental traps that serve only to delay action and progress:
Really Simple Simple Paybacks
Isn’t this Plug and Play? Or, Why Can’t I Replace My (Oversized) Boiler with an Air Source Heat Pump?
Electrify Everything . . . And Do it Immediately and in One Move!
But Technology is Changing So Fast, Isn’t Something Better Going to Come Along?
But My Tenants Don’t Think This is a Priority
Electricity Produces Emissions
It’s Too Disruptive and Expensive to Decarbonize a Building All at Once