In a recent Insulation Institute blog, Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd analyzed the results of a new report on the energy efficiency of states:
The report from WalletHub, a personal finance company, analyzes data from various government agencies in 48 states and ranks each in their building, auto, and transportation efficiency. While some states have aggressive stretch energy code requirements, other states lag in their efforts.
Massachusetts ranked ninth in-home energy efficiency but best for auto efficiency. Wyoming was the worst for auto efficiency. (It’s worth noting that another report by ACEEE ranks California as the most energy-efficient state, so different methodologies will produce different results).
WalletHub’s analysis detailed options for states in improving their home energy efficiency. “The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that adopting energy-efficient features in the home could reduce utility costs by as much as 25 percent,” the report notes. The report also called on states and governments to continue to adopt more energy-efficient measures to improve overall energy usage, noting that tax credits that incentivize consumers to make energy efficiency upgrades are a particularly effective tool in boosting efficiency.
The authors also note that governments don’t have to rely on tax policy alone to boost energy efficiency. According to Valerie Thomas of the Georgia Institute of Technology, “Energy efficiency standards for buildings should include building codes and appliance standards, so no one is stuck with an energy hog building or appliance.”
Notably, the report concludes that increasing energy efficiency will decrease long-term costs for everyone, including utilities, individuals, and governments. Increased efficiency will also provide energy savings and boost building resiliency, the analysis concludes.
More important, a tighter building envelope can help increase the comfort and overall indoor air quality (IAQ) within the home, leading to a better living environment.
The product features a series of smart nozzle stations that can be positioned throughout a home and monitored independently to control temperature and humidity within each room. This ensures that each part of the house gets the exact amount of sealant needed to seal leaks. Users can monitor spraying progress with their laptops, and make any necessary adjustments.
AeroBarrier Connect can seal leaks of up to half an inch wide and as small as a human hair. Seals can be performed by single work crews instead of multiple traders and contractors, and in as little as one-third of the time required for manual sealing.
The innovations focus on four key areas that enable builders to create top-of-the-line homes (and home buyers to reduce energy consumption): providing best-in-class safety and protection, creating an enhanced lifestyle with connectivity, incorporating AI and machine learning, and embracing modern aesthetics and modular designs.
The solutions include:
Hope’s Windows’ One55 Series windows and doors equipped with Thermal Evolution technology feature a fiber-reinforced, highly thermally resistant polymer (FRP) isolator. The FRP creates a powerfully strong and enduring composite construction that delivers impressive thermal efficiency and enhanced resistance to condensation.
The enhanced thermal efficiency also exceeds the most stringent thermal codes. The solid hot-rolled steel framing profiles remain completely intact for the full depth of the window profile.
Buildings continue to get more efficient as codes toughen and manufacturers dial up the specs on important products such as energy-efficient appliances, insulation, windows, smart tech, air sealing, and others.
You can download Green Builder’s 2021 Hot 50 green product picks for the latest on energy-efficient green products. Highlighted here are a few of the editors’ picks that can help move all U.S. states toward energy efficiency: