U.S. Energy Challenges for 2020

A growing population and improved economic conditions in the United States will raise energy consumption during the next decade. The U.S. goal of energy independence, the concern for unmet energy demand, and the growing awareness of the environmental impact of high consumption are the leading drivers behind growing interest in net-zero buildings and renewable energy generation. U.S. policy recommendations to overcome energy challenges include continued focus on renewable energy generation and extended energy efficiency goals to all commercial buildings, rather than the current focus on government buildings.