Deep Energy Reductions in Existing Homes: Strategies for Implementation

Panel: Visions of the Future: Big New Ideas for Energy Efficiency

Author:
Linda Wigington, Affordable Comfort, Inc. (ACI)

Abstract

The residential sector accounts for 21% of both the U.S. energy use and carbon emissions (EIA 2006). Given recent increases in energy costs and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it is time to re-examine our assumptions about the level of energy reductions that are achievable in existing homes. This paper addresses the importance of developing a foundation to cut energy use in existing North American homes by 70%-90%. Properly implemented, the deep energy reduction paradigm offers the potential for reduced energy vulnerability and environmental impact over the life of a dwelling, while enhancing comfort, indoor air quality, and durability. However the deep energy paradigm requires a "beyond technology alone" strategy and must encompass behavioral choices and community-based strategies. While some experience gained from housing, energy, and utility programs supports implementation of the deep energy reduction paradigm, other residential energy efficiency traditions make it more difficult to obtain deep energy reductions.

This paper builds on the ACI Summit held in July, 2007 in San Francisco, "Moving Existing Homes toward Carbon Neutrality," and the resulting white paper. It explores the insights, challenges, and recommendations that emerged from that gathering of 100 North American housing, building science, and energy efficiency experts.

Transforming the physical and institutional infrastructure is a daunting task. The issue is, not whether deep energy reductions are necessary, but rather how to define and support this vision.