Realistic Estimation of CO₂ Emission Reductions Due to Building Retrofit

Abstract

Constant CO₂ emission factors of electricity are often used to study the emissions of buildings. However, in the era of increased renewable energy for power generation, emission factors of electricity are dynamically changing. This study is to investigate the impact of dynamic CO 2 emission factors, which are more realistic than constant ones, on the emission reductions due to building retrofits. The results reveal that if dynamic CO 2 emission factors are used for U.S. medium office buildings, improving the efficiency of lighting or electric equipment will lead to more emission reductions in locations with high wind power penetration (e.g., 12% more reductions in Rochester) and fewer reductions in locations with high solar power penetration (e.g., 8% fewer reductions in San Diego). As for improving envelope insulation, dynamic CO2 emission factors have more impact on the emission reductions in hot climates than in cold climates.