Home Energy Assessment
Buildings account for nearly 40% of all greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) - according to Architecture 2030. Of these, building operations are responsible for 28% annually, while building materials and construction (typically referred to as embodied carbon) are responsible for an additional 10% annually.
What are the benefits of Building Decarbonization?
Fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource, so we will inevitably need to stop using them as an energy source for buildings. Additionally, building decarbonization brings several benefits.
1
Climate Action
Burning fossil fuels like gas or oil to provide heating, cooling, and hot water in buildings is a big source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Eliminating the carbon emissions from buildings through decarbonization efforts helps meet emission reduction goals to mitigate climate change.
2
Managing Utility Costs
Natural gas costs can be particularly volatile and are projected to rise substantially over the next decade due to unstable supply. While electricity costs will also rise, their increase is expected to be less than gas. Switching to an all-electric home is a more affordable and stable option for powering buildings. Managing only one bill (electric) instead of two is also preferred for most.
3
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Gas appliances like stoves, furnaces, boilers, and hot water heaters that burn fossil fuels directly in the home create harmful emissions – something often overlooked. Just like pollution from power plants, several studies have shown that burning fossil fuels in the home creates pollutants such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide. These pollutants can cause an increased risk of asthma, respiratory symptoms, and cardiovascular effects - especially in children. Using electric appliances instead of combustion removes this source of pollutants in your home and improves indoor air quality, creating a healthier home environment.
Personalized home energy assessment
Whether you are considering converting your home to a true “passive house” or would like to do something more targeted, strategic changes to your home’s systems and exterior envelope can reduce its energy use and your utility bill. Contact us for a personalized energy assessment.
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