The Feasibility of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Residential Buildings

Abstract

The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, the so-called Waxman-Markey cap and trade bill, proposed that all residential buildings be renovated to meet existing energy codes upon sale to minimize emissions. In this paper, we examine existing and suggested International Energy Conservation Codes (IECC) and how they compare to the proposed climate objectives. We follow this by calculating the costs to bring existing homes to current energy codes and review the effort needed to bring homes up to future codes based on an in-depth study of over 100 homes in the Denver Metropolitan Area. We find that requiring homes be upgraded to meet existing energy codes is not efficient on a cost versus energy savings/emissions effort for the individual owner unless the government allows large tax credits or imposes a significant carbon tax on carbon emissions. Measures that do make sense include requiring new homes be energy-efficient, energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances when replaced, and increased attic insulation.