A new study from the EPA shows that one of the biggest determining factors to whether or not your home is green is location.
According to the study, homes that are closest to public transportation use substantially less energy than those that aren’t. It also shows that detached homes are much less efficient when it comes to energy use than homes that share walls.
For example, a single family detached home located near public transportation uses 39 percent less energy, while a single family attached home shows an energy use drop of 42 percent based in a similar location.
“People can do many things to reduce their energy use: install energy-efficient light bulbs, carpool or walk, or buy Energy Star appliances, among other things,” explains the EPA. “But the way in which we plan and build our communities also has a significant role to play in creating a more environmentally and economically sustainable future.
“By understanding the relative share that housing type, location, and “green” (in this case, energy- or fuel-efficient) technology have in energy consumption, communities can begin to align their policies and public investments to support a more sustainable path forward.”
Post a Comment