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Estimating Potential Community-wide Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Savings from Residential Energy Retrofits

Author

Listed:
  • Damian Pitt
  • John Randolph
  • David St. Jean
  • Mark Chang

Abstract

The residential sector accounts for over 20% of U.S. primary energy consumption and offers numerous opportunities for conservation and efficiency. Chief among these is retrofitting existing homes, which can reduce annual household energy consumption while also improving indoor air quality and thermal comfort and supporting local economic development. Many U.S. localities identify residential retrofits as a major priority in their Climate Action Plans, but lack information on the extent of energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction that they can achieve. We present a methodology used in Blacksburg, Virginia, to estimate potential energy and GHG savings from a residential retrofit program, which we find could reduce projected year 2050 residential energy use by as much as 36%. We conclude with a discussion of the obstacles that communities face in implementing retrofit programs and steps being taken in Blacksburg to overcome those obstacles.

Suggested Citation

  • Damian Pitt & John Randolph & David St. Jean & Mark Chang, 2012. "Estimating Potential Community-wide Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Savings from Residential Energy Retrofits," Energy and Environment Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 2(1), pages 1-44, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibn:eerjnl:v:2:y:2012:i:1:p:44
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ellen Bassett & Vivek Shandas, 2010. "Innovation and Climate Action Planning," Journal of the American Planning Association, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 76(4), pages 435-450.
    2. Hirst, Eric & Goeltz, Richard, 1985. "Estimating energy savings due to conservation programmes : The BPA residential weatherization pilot programme," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 7(1), pages 20-28, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Scott M Katalenich & Mark Z Jacobson, 2023. "Renewable energy and energy storage to offset diesel generators at expeditionary contingency bases," The Journal of Defense Modeling and Simulation, , vol. 20(2), pages 213-228, April.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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