A new report, published by the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), found that energy efficient buildings play a vital role in reducing energy costs and emissions.
The report says that by 2050, placing investments to ensure homes and businesses are more energy efficient can reduce CO2 emissions by 91% vs. 2005 levels without increasing electricity use. Not only can the country achieve carbon-free electricity by 2050, we can save $107 billion in power system costs per year. Check out the key excerpt:
“We find up to a 91% reduction in building CO2 emissions from 2005 levels by 2050 using a portfolio of building efficiency, demand flexibility, and electrification measures alongside rapid grid decarbonization. Building efficiency and flexibility could generate up to $107 billion in annual power system cost savings by 2050, offsetting over a third of the incremental cost of full grid decarbonization. Our results underscore multiple benefits of demand-side solutions for deep decarbonization of US buildings.”
The importance of energy efficient buildings cannot be understated. By using proven building materials that increase energy efficiency, like spray foam insulation, Americans can save money on energy bills while also helping the environment.