Energy efficient housing:quick wins

Maike ChristiansenUnited Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)

Housing and Land Management Unit

UNECE Committee on Housing and Land

Management

Committee on Housing and Land Management

Role and responsibilities• A platform for intergovernmental dialogue• A forum for the exchange of information and experience• Assistance with policy formulation and implementation

• In-depth assessments • Policy guidance and recommendations • Advisory services and capacity-building activities

Work of the Committee

Why energy efficiency?

Energy Efficiency in Housing

Buildings 40% of global total energy consumption 24% of global CO2 emissions5-10% of national employment

Residential buildings in Europe 75 % of total building stockover 40% constructed before 1960s

Energy efficiency is not just low-hanging fruit; it is fruit that is lying on the ground

Steven Chu, US Secretary of Energy The Times, London, 26 May 2012

Energy Efficiency = Reduction of individual energy consumption

…without compromising the well-being of people or the environment

Energy Efficiency = Reduction of individual energy consumption

Towards Energy Efficient Homes

Green Homes • Presents key benefits, challenges and prospects• Outlines necessary institutional changes • Provides set of recommendations for governments

Action Plan for Energy Efficient Housing• Accelerate transition • Promote broad application of existing technical solutions • Remove barriers of implementation • Achieve policy reforms

Actions include• Introduce framework laws supporting institutional changes• Develop system of subsidies, tax incentives and tax on energy inefficiencies• Develop institutional capacities for housing management • Introduce energy certification for all residential buildings• Develop on-site renewable energy generation• Develop retrofitting programmes for public housing

Towards Energy Efficient Homes

Comprehensive Framework

Different “layers” for removing barriers• Administrative systems• Regulatory framework• Financial stimuli• Incentives, plus availability of skilled human resources• Mandatory and up-to-date technical norms and energy performance requirements• Awareness raising and information outreach

Casebook on Good Practices for Energy Efficient Housing

• Identify programmes and policies on energy efficient housing which work well• Present examples for replication in particular in transition countries • Joint product of UNECE, City of Vienna and UN-Habitat

Objective• Underline viability of energy efficient housing • Trigger interest and increase acceptability of national stakeholders• Create demand for energy efficient homes

Energy PyramidCo

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Quick wins

Source: http://www.mnpower.com/EnergyConservation/ForYourHome

Renewable Options

Low-Cost No-Cost

Understanding

Lightning

Air Sealing

Appliances

Windows

Water Heating

Insulation & Ventilation

Heating & Cooling

Action Plan Tips and Tools Building Energy Audit New Construction Design

Temperature Setting Turning Things Off Appliances

CFLs LEDs Fixtures

Sealing Bypasses in Attics, Walls, FoundationsCaulking and Weatherstripping Windows, Doors

Refrigerators Clothes Washers Dishwasher

Attics Walls Foundations Crawl Spaces

Heat Recovery Solar Thermal Drain Water

Furnaces with ECM A/C Heat Pumps

Replacement

Solar Wind

Comprehensive Framework

Different “layers” for removing barriers• Administrative systems• Regulatory framework• Financial stimuli• Incentives, plus availability of skilled human resources• Mandatory and up-to-date technical norms and energy performance requirements• Awareness raising and information outreach

Recommendations

Start at the pyramid base

1. Awareness and understanding of individuals

• Installation of individual meters • Awareness campaigns to promote high-impact and cost-effective measures • Lighting, air sealing (doors, windows, attics, walls, foundations)

2. Encourage joint action and «entire building» approach

• Mandatory homeowners’ associations for maintenance and management• Financial instruments targeted at homeowners’ associations

Ms. Maike ChristiansenUNECE Housing and Land Management Unit

Email: Maike.Christiansen@unece.orgTel.: +41 22 91 74 170

www.unece.org/hlm/welcome

Thank you for your attention