Published Paper Explores Carbon Associated with Energy-Efficient Homes

Highly energy-efficient homes save fuel and carbon emissions during their operation. However, such homes typically use more insulation and other materials, which have carbon emissions associated with their production and transportation. So, how do the extra carbon emissions associated with the construction of a highly energy-efficient home compare to the carbon emission savings achieved thanks to the energy-efficiency features?

The life cycle assessment of a highly energy-efficient house in rural Alaska studied in a paper by ACEP and Cold Climate Housing Research Center’s Tom Marsik and his former student Yasmeen Hossain shows that the extra carbon emissions associated with the construction are very small compared to the life cycle carbon emission savings achieved during the operational stage of the house.

For more information on this paper and research, please contact Tom Marsik.

 

Researchers found this home’s energy-efficiency features prevented far more carbon emissions than they required to create. Photo courtesy of Tom Marsik.