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ACEEE Topic Brief: Empowering Electrification through Building Envelope Improvements

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Overview

Efficient building electrification necessitates building envelope improvements. Weatheization is key.

Building electrification is a key climate mitigation tool because fossil fuels used to heat, cool, and power buildings contribute more than 10% of U.S. energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Efficient building electrification necessitates building envelope improvements, without which electricity demand will not only raise consumer costs but also require the buildout of additional electric grid infrastructure. To help avoid potential increased costs, policymakers and program implementers should focus on improving insulation in walls, attics, and basements, sealing air leaks, and installing higher-efficiency windows.

Key Takeaways show weatherization pays off in energy savings.

Related Resources

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Overcoming Weatherization Barriers 

Read the report which reviews currently operating programs that address barriers to weatherizing homes, and a set of recommendations pertaining to accessibility, funding, and improved health, calling attention to the connection between energy conservation and home health efforts.

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Weatherization Stories from the Field | Episode 1: The Birds 

Watch as Eric Nelson shares a story of a time he performed a home energy audit for an elderly couple.

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Weatherization Stories from the Field | Episode 3: In the Dark 

Watch as Robert Parkhurst shares a story from the 1980s about weatherization professionals.