In this episode, Amory Lovins shares paradigm-shifting strategies on how to transform the energy sector.

Amory proclaims that an energy revolution is underway, particularly in places like China and India, where renewables power is overtaking thermal. The transformation is propelled by a steep drop in the cost of solar and wind technologies.

Once carbon is in the atmosphere, there is no affordable way to remove it.
© IndustryAndTravel, Envato Elements

It is vital, he says, that we frame emissions not just in terms of the magnitude of reduction, but also cost and speed of implementation. A market-based approach is the fairest and most equitable way forward.

From this perspective, options like nuclear power are not attractive, despite the tech appeal and low-carbon performance. Per dollar spent, a nuclear power station does not reduce emissions as much as a solar farm of the same capacity, which is quicker to build and cheaper to run.

At today’s prices, a solar farm is a cheaper option than thermal and nuclear plants.
© andreonegin, Envato Elements

On the variance of supply and risk of breakdown, Amory points out that renewables are more predictable and reliable than thermal power plants by far. The latter needs more backup at higher costs than an efficiently designed portfolio of solar and wind.

In any grand vision of a carbon-free future, buildings and cities will play a significant role. There are many low-hanging fruits here. He cites steel and cement used in construction as examples; these are responsible for 15% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Rocky Mountain Institute is a mecca for thought leaders in front-line energy solutions.
© RMI

To demonstrate that his ideas are also actionable, his teams at the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) offer consulting services to building owners, promising deep cuts in energy consumption. Retrofits strive for a minimum of 70% reduction.

RMI’s best-known retrofit is the Empire State Building, New York City (United States), which was fitted with façade insulation and super windows.
© haveseen, Envato Elements

Amory believes there is an even greater opportunity with new builds. For instance, a decision to replace thick concrete slabs with a vaulted shallow dome or corrugated thin slab with carbon fibre can save material, time, and money.

For mechanical-electrical systems, he advocates combining negawatts — trimming demand through efficiency and reduced loads — with ‘flexiwatts’ — managing demand over time — and topping it with onsite renewable sourcing.

For Amory, key to performance is the ‘integrative’ process in which the entire project team comes together at the start and works in a collaborative manner. This consortium promises holistic outcomes based on sound decisions that are less likely to be reversed later.

Amory Lovins’ home in the Rocky Mountains is optimised as a system rather than treating insulation as a component.
© Judy Hill Lovins

Amory’s private residence in Snowmass, Colorado (US), exemplifies integration. He prescribed envelope insulation to a degree that the heating system could be eliminated. Despite cold winters, the tropical garden yields multiple crops of bananas.

Amory Lovins harvests solar banana crops without a heating system at home, in his own tropical garden.
© Judy Hill Lovins

Amory points out that we already have the technology to do what’s necessary. The real challenge is to remove the system of rewards and incentives that encourage inefficiency and prioritise obsolete technologies.

The structure of consulting fees, for instance, rewards a team that proposes larger buildings and bigger systems. Paying for operational performance, instead of capital spending, will go a long way to changing the culture of design.

More critically, Amory exhorts us to set aside a ‘silver bullet’ mindset. Technology is important but it is not enough. Design matters. By applying an integrative approach to multiple actions, multiple systems can deepen and accelerate outcomes.