Retrofitting And Weatherization Of Buildings To Reduce Carbon Footprints By Johnson Esenowo Environmental Economics – Econ 2505 Prof. S. MacDonald and Prof. D. Mincyte

Overview  It is estimated that 75% of greenhouse emissions in the city comes from operation of buildings.  Retrofitting and weatherization of buildings will reduce these numbers.  There are financial incentives and environmental benefits for these actions.

What is Retrofitting and Weatherization? Retrofitting is modifying existing building structures and bringing living/work space up to date. Weatherization is protecting and maintaining the existing thermal and pressure boundaries of a building.

Retrofitting Involves : Caulking – prevents air leaks Weather Strips on doors Sealing bypasses e.g. cracks, gaps, holes, pipe penetrations, air ducts etc. Moist intrusion prevention High performance windows

Weatherization Involves : Building Envelope – Pressure and Thermal boundaries Energy efficient lighting and Energy star appliances Installation of renewable energy options e.g. Solar panels Water conservation systems e.g. low shower heads Storm doors and windows

Benefits: High Performance Building – Energy efficient and sustainable buildings Reduction of cooling, lighting and heating costs Improves indoor environmental quality Positive environmental impact Tax breaks

Steps to the process: Do it yourself – Energy audit tools e.g. software available: TREAT Energy Audit Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)- US. Department of Energy Low Income Energy Assistant Program (LIEAP) – State Agencies

Why are people not doing it? Awareness – most people are not aware Nonchalance attitude Claims that the return on investment is not worth it – According to Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research (CEEPR)

Savings from DOE Net Present Value of Energy Savings from DOE Study of ARRA Period Time Horizon Discount Rate 3 Percent6 Percent 10 Percent 10 years$2,003$1,641$1, years$3,028$2,254$1, years$3,646$2,558$1,899 Note: The table reports the net present value of energy savings (in dollars) implied by the DOE’s household- level energy savings estimates ($223) using a range of discount rates and assumed time horizons. Reductions in energy bills associated with the estimates are assumed to accrue over the life of the measure.

CONCLUSION If buildings are energy efficient and sustainable through retrofitting and weatherization there is a positive impact in reducing carbon footprints.

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