Efficient electric hot water heating technologies significantly reduce the carbon emissions of multifamily buildings, according to a report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) and New Buildings Institute (NBI).
In multifamily buildings with five or more units, water heating uses more energy than space heating, cooling, or lighting, the report says. Converting gas-fired water heaters to advanced technology—electric heat pump water heaters (HPWHs)—would cut greenhouse gas emissions from water heating by an average of 58%.
If HPWHs are powered entirely by clean sources, they cause zero emissions, making them a critical tool for decarbonizing the economy. Efficient electric water heaters carry a higher upfront cost over gas models, so policymakers would have to provide incentives to owners to make the conversion, the report says.
“Many utilities offer incentives for building or unit owners to install in-unit heat pump hot water heaters,” an ACEEE/NBI news release says. “Yet few programs are designed specifically for multifamily buildings, which offer unique challenges.”
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2021
Zero Energy Buildings growth driven by government policy, stringent codes, technologies
Restraints include high upfront cost, and lack of universal definition and approaches.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2021
HUD releases new Fair Housing Act design and construction requirements
First update of ‘safe harbors’ in 15 years provides better clarity for design and construction firms.
Codes and Standards | Jan 8, 2021
Court ruling gives UpCodes upper hand in fight over building codes database
Battle over IP property claims by ICC and other codes bodies continues.
Codes and Standards | Jan 8, 2021
Houston creates tax incentives for green stormwater elements
Businesses that install green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavement, and rainwater harvesting are eligible.
Codes and Standards | Jan 7, 2021
Trump’s classical design aesthetic mandate for federal buildings likely to be felt for years
May limit the number of firms that could compete for contracts.
Codes and Standards | Jan 7, 2021
Workers on some of Virginia’s major construction projects sue subcontractors for wage theft
Projects include new General Assembly Building, outpatient facility at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2021
EPA finalizes first major update to Lead and Copper rule
Will accelerate pace of lead service line replacement.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2021
Flood risk for affordable housing expected to triple by 2050
Some communities will have 90% of their affordable housing at risk.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2021
Ranks of remote workers expected to double in five years
Nearly 23% of employees will work from outside of offices.
Codes and Standards | Dec 28, 2020
CSI and ASTM standards can now be connected through a central location
CROSSWALK web service accesses standards specific to projects from feasibility to turnover.
