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Energy |
The built environment is responsible for nearly half of global warming emissions in the U.S. Serious energy reduction is a critical component of any sustainable building project. Efficiency improves family economics by lowering operating costs and decreases long-term environmental impacts. Dramatic reductions in building energy consumption can only be achieved through good design and detailing.
Goals
- Reduce carbon emissions to meet 2030 targets
- Dramatically reduce total energy consumption
- Eliminate dependence on fossil fuels and nonrenewable energy resources
Strategies
Energy goals are frequently framed as energy reductions when compared to code. The goal of all projects should be to reduce energy use and carbon emissions to a minimum. These energy strategies are organized in a three-step process to reduce overall consumption and meet the 2030 targets. Step one reduces loads through conservation; step two meets the reduced load with efficient equipment; and step three meets the energy demand through the use of renewable energy and low emission sources. The fourth strategy outlines a method to predict, ensure, and confirm that energy goals are met through modeling, verification, and long term tracking of energy use.
| E1: | Minimize energy loads
Insulation |
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| E1a: | Optimize building placement and configuration for energy performance | |
| E1b: | Optimize building envelope thermal performance | |
| E1c: | Integrate daylighting with efficient electric lighting | |
| E2: | Meet energy loads efficiently
Hot Water Heaters | Programmable Thermostats |
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| E2a: | Design and install efficient mechanical systems | |
| E2b: | Choose efficient appliances | |
| E3: | Use renewable and low-carbon energy sources
Hot Water Heaters |
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| E4: | Model and evaluate performance | |
Other Resources
Publications and Links
"A Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy." U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. 14 Jan. 2008. U.S. Dept. of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
See full list of recommended resources and links in our library.
