How does energy efficiency impact a home’s carbon footprint?

The cost of energy is rising rapidly — and not just in dollars. Our environment is also paying the price: non-renewable energy consumption, carbon emissions, and pollution. In the U.S., 39% of all greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings.

We use energy — electricity, gas, and water — to keep our houses at a comfortable temperature, our showers hot, our lights on, and our gardens green, all of which generates carbon dioxide (CO2). Your carbon footprint is the sum of all emissions of CO2, which are induced by your activities in a given time frame.

High-performance homes support the health of our environment by consuming less energy, conserving non-renewable resources, and reducing our carbon footprint while maintaining a high quality of living and lowering your monthly utility bills.

Power

A conventional home often wastes energy, is inefficient, has thoughtless design, and poor construction. In contrast, passive homes represent today’s highest energy standard, slashing energy consumption by up to 90%.

Extreme efficiency does two things. First, it minimizes energy loss, such as leaking less heat out of windows. Second, it optimizes internal gains — any heat you generate indoors, whether from your own body or by running a hair dryer, is all you need to heat your home (eliminating the need for a furnace or other conventional heating mechanisms). With careful window orientation and shading, passive homes also minimize your need for air conditioning.

Water

High efficiency appliances, tankless on–demand water heaters, and low-flow plumbing fixtures are turnkey water-saving solutions for any home and are always part of a high-performance home. Often times one of the largest water uses in a home is outside — maintaining a lush, green lawn and vegetation. Alternatives include drought-resistant landscape design and rainwater collection systems.

To learn more about how Clarum Homes can reduce your carbon footprint, call us at 650.322.7069.