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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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DOE: WAP Guidelines for Home Energy Professionals

Guidelines for Home Energy Professionals including Standard Work Specifications for Home Energy Upgrades, and Home Energy Professional certifications along with accreditation of energy-efficiency training programs.

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Non-Energy Impacts of Weatherization 

Download to read the study which discusses various issues related to incorporating non-energy impacts (NEIs) into costeffectiveness screening and measure selection in the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).

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Weatherization Installer Job Aids and Single-Family Interactive 3D House

Weatherization job aids are step-by-step visual guides created to assist home energy professionals with effective, durable, and safe energy efficiency upgrades.