MEXICO TO GET ENERGY-SMART

While the French wine industry reaches back to the 19th century to reduce fossil fuel consumption and cut greenhouse gas emissions, the Mexican government is laying plans to lead its working class toward 21st century housing to accomplish the same goals.

Most of Mexico has moderate or better solar assets. (click to enlarge)

Mexico to build only energy-smart homes in three years: Minister
February 8, 2008 (AFP viaYahoo News)

WHO
Juan Rafael Elvira, Mexico’s Environment Secretary

WHAT
As part of a global initiative to build on million energy-smart homes, the Mexican government will subsidize 30,000 units.

WHEN
The global initiative aims to build one million energy-smart new homes by 2012.
Mexico’s goal is to build 30,000 energy-smart new homes by 2011.

The charm of Mexican living may require some efficiency updating. (Photo by Peter Alexander - click to enlarge)

WHERE
- The announced program will build homes throughout Mexico.
- Mexico’s government is engaged in a separate energy-smart home-building program in the southern state of Chiapas in an effort to rehouse thousands left homeless by October/November 2007 floods.

WHY
- The 30,000 homes are being built and subsidized with the aim of establishing energy-efficient construction standards.
- The new homes will have a variety of energy-smart devices: (1) solar water heating, (2) low-energy fluorescent lights, (3) high-efficiency appliances, (4) low-flow plumbing fixtures.
- The new homes are aimed at people who earn 200 pesos ($18)/day.
- Mexico’s federal government will pay 22,000 pesos ($1900) of the 120,00 to 249,000 peso ($10,500 to $21,000) home price.

Elements of an energy-efficient home, from KangarooBuilding. (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
Environmental Secretary Elvira: "In two or three years all traditional home construction will come to an end, and all new homes will be built with new materials and energy-sustainable standards..."