Akinola Afolarin, a Fellow of the Institute for Energy Democracy at the Pace Energy and Climate Center has led a group of sustainability experts to launch the Center for Global Sustainability Law (CGSL), an interdisciplinary research and policy Center that focuses on the intersection between law and sustainability, by expounding on the critical role of law and emerging regulations in advancing a sustainable future that leaves no one behind. According to Akinola, the establishment of the Center is imperative to employ the instrumentality of law to advance global sustainability. Speaking further, he states that “our world faces a wide range of challenges that cut across environmental, social and economic issues. In addressing these challenges, we have over the years emphasized the finance and the scientific sides of sustainability, while less attention is paid to the legal framework needed to propel the efforts being made to address the problems.”
When asked about how the current political climate might be impacting climate and sustainability efforts, Akinola opined that “notwithstanding the current political climate in some countries which might have resulted in some organizations scaling back on their climate-related targets, we must constantly be reminded that the goal of a sustainable world transcends climate change. Even more critical is the fact that the challenges that our world is daily confronted with, cannot be wished away on the altar of the political disposition of any government. Governments are transient but sustainability problems could last for generations, and even worsen. Therefore, as these challenges increase, so must our collective response be intensified. This is why CGSL is here.”
You can learn more about CGSL at: www.cgsul.org
Email: info@cgsul.org
LinkedIn: Center for Global Sustainability Law
We wish Akinola and his team success as they embark on this critical and impact-driven journey.
by Akinola Afolarin, Institute for Energy Democracy Fellow, Pace Energy and Climate Center,
In the summer of 2024, the Pace Energy and Climate Center at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Pace University (the Center), and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), jointly published Chapter 17 of the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) as a standalone document (IAPMO/UMC/Chapter 17-2024). This document is intended to address the critical need for enforceable safety provisions for geothermal district ambient temperature loop systems and draws upon the Center’s expertise in geothermal energy systems.
This version of Chapter 17 follows the 2024 edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code (Chapter 17) and may be used in any jurisdiction seeking to adopt standards for geothermal energy systems and ambient temperature loops. These systems include district-wide geothermal energy systems and district ambient temperature loop systems that circulate ground-ambient-temperature water to be used in end-use buildings as a thermal source or sink, via water source heat pump or reversing chiller. In addition, this Standard also addresses many critical issues in geothermal energy systems and ambient temperature loops such as Specific System Components Design, Ground-Heat Exchanger Testing, Geothermal Ambient Temperature Loops (ATL), and ATL Distributed Energy Systems Design Requirements as well as other design requirements.
References to chapters of the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code have been written to refer to the corresponding code as adopted by the local jurisdiction. Accordingly, this document can be considered for integration into local codes based on any of the model codes commonly adopted by local jurisdictions in the United States and other countries. Sample legislation included in the document recommends that jurisdictions wishing to adopt Chapter 17 of the Uniform Mechanical Code as an enforceable regulation governing plumbing systems by reference should include in their ordinance the legal basis for adoption and implementation of the Chapter.
While speaking on this joint effort, the CEO of IAPMO, Dave Viola, had this to say: “With the Pace Energy and Climate Center’s long history of focusing on renewable energy and decarbonization, along with IAPMO’s leadership in the geothermal district systems with its consensus-based Uniform Mechanical Code, this joint effort greatly strengthens our industry,”
Former Executive Director of the Pace Energy and Climate Center, Craig Hart, who led the Center’s collaboration with IAPMO, stated that “IAPMO’s leadership in standards development for district geothermal systems meets an urgent need among municipalities seeking to accelerate the adoption of clean heating and cooling technologies, and Pace is very happy to support IAPMO in developing a standard that can support those municipalities.”
Pace Energy and Climate Center is excited to have collaborated with IAPMO on this project in continuation of its research and development of much-needed policy solutions to climate and energy crises around the world.
