Analyzing energy poverty and carbon emissions in a social housing complex due to changes in thermal standards

Abstract

Energy Poverty (EP) is a problem that affects low-income families who struggle to afford maintaining comfortable thermal conditions in their homes. This issue contradicts the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to promoting good health and well-being (SDG 3), reducing pollution (SDG 13), and eradicating poverty in all its forms (SDG 1). In this context, this study aims to examine the potential impact of changes in thermal regulations on EP and carbon emissions in a Chilean social housing complex. Unlike previous research that relies on aggregate statistical data at the national level, this study adopts a micro-scale approach, analyzing EP variables at the level of individual households. Semi-structured questionnaire surveys were conducted, and the Ten Percent Rule Index (TPRI) was used to measure EP, while energy use was assessed to estimate carbon emissions. The findings reveal that the social housing complex is experiencing EP, primarily due to factors such as unaffordability, low energy-efficient homes, lack of energy literacy, and the use of firewood as a primary energy source, resulting in a TPR of 14.5 %. However, retrofitting to meet the latest proposed thermal standards can significantly reduce EP, with up to 22 % of households moving away from EP, and lead to a substantial reduction of up to 55 % in total carbon emissions. The study highlights the effectiveness of using the TPRI to evaluate EP and provides insights to better understand how housing retrofitting programs in developing countries may promote sustainability and inclusivity while reducing EP.