20070630-IEA-Energy_Efficiency_in_the_North_American_Existing_Building_Stock_112页_1mb

Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings: Executive Summary

Overview and Objectives

The International Energy Agency (IEA) assessed the energy efficiency potential in the North American building stock, focusing on existing buildings.

Context

• Buildings consume over 600 Mtoe of energy in Canada and the USA, accounting for approximately 40% of national energy use.
• Energy use remains growth with inefficiencies in heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances, despite technological improvements.
• Barriers include: split incentives, information gaps, high upfront costs, and externalities (energy prices do not accurately reflect costs).

Objectives

• Evaluate the efficacy of policies and programs to reduce energy consumption.
• Identify promising new policies and quantify achievable savings.

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Key Findings

Energy Use & Savings Potential

• Residential sector accounted for 21 quads (approximately 41% of total US energy), commercial accounted for 18 quads.
• Technically achievable energy savings could be between 21–30% by 2025 under aggressive policies.
• Example savings:
  • 35% reduction possible in typical US homes through cost-effective upgrades.
  • 20% reduction achievable in commercial buildings.

Existing Policies and Programs

1. Effectiveness:
   • Mandatory Standards: Highly effective, delivering substantial savings with high cost-effectiveness (DOE, IEA).
   • Energy Labeling: Limited impact (e.g., EnergyGuide label); reform could enhance effectiveness.
   • Appliance Programs: Financial incentives and education (e.g., ENERGY STAR) show strong market transformation.
   • Utility Programs: Demand-side management offers savings but requires robust design and coordination.

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Recommended Policies and Strategies

1. Key Recommendations:

   • Strengthen efficiency standards and expand coverage to reflect current technology.
   • Promote whole-building retrofits and benchmarking systems.
   • Incentivize resource acquisition and market transformation through R&D and consumer incentives.
   • Ensure holistic regulatory frameworks for codes and energy procurement.

2. Priority Actions:

   • Implement aggressive incentives for technologies like combined heat and power, heat pumps, and smart meters.
   • Integrate energy efficiency with broader policies such as renewable energy standards and carbon pricing.

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Concluding remarks

Countries globally are increasingly aligning policy, innovation, and enforcement to significantly reduce energy use in buildings by increasing cost-effective retrofits, thereby reducing climate emissions while balancing economic activities.