Reducing Energy Consumption in Housing: An Assessment of Alternatives

Physical characteristics of housing far outweigh the importance of household behavior as determinants of energy use. Analysis of residential energy consumption in two metropolitan areas in the north central United States suggests that household behavior affects energy use only within relatively narrow limits determined by the design, construction, and condition of the dwelling. The greatest reduction in per-unit energy consumption can result from changing the design of newly constructed housing. Savings of 20 to 50 percent appear to be readily attainable. Alterations of existing housing would have a more modest effect, from 5 to 10 percent, whereas feasible changes in occupant behavior would reduce energy use only 2 to 5 percent.