Gas stoves leak as much methane across the U.S., having the same climate impact as half a million cars, according to a Stanford University study.
Researchers analyzed indoor levels of heat-trapping methane and nitrogen oxides and found significant amounts of each, with leaks occurring even when the appliances were not in use. Both gases can trigger asthma and other respiratory problems as well as contributing to climate change.
The study adds momentum to the movement to ban natural gas use in new buildings to fight climate change. The natural gas industry has mobilized to block such bans.
It’s unclear how much methane is coming from leaky pipes and fittings, incomplete combustion, design features of the stoves, or a combination of all three factors. Researchers based their data on 18 brands of stoves, ranging from 3 to 30 years old.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 29, 2020
Crackdowns grow on construction firms that fail to follow COVID-19 guidelines
States, cities, and OSHA enforce social distancing, hand-washing regulations.
Codes and Standards | Jul 28, 2020
California utility adopts climate emergency declaration
Sacramento-region company commits to working towards carbon neutrality by 2030.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2020
Updated Energy Plus and OpenStudio building energy modeling tools released
Software offers performance enhancements.
Codes and Standards | Jul 23, 2020
North Carolina will stop relying on FEMA flood mapping
State will identify flood zones on its own.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
New version of IAPMO’s Water Demand Calculator is available
Enhanced features include selection between single- and multifamily buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
Mobile app calculates sound transmission for wood-framed assemblies
American Wood Council tool for floor-ceiling assemblies.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
Architecture billings remain in negative territory, begin to stabilize
Fewer architecture firms report declining billings this month.
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2020
N.Y. construction firm to pay $1.5 million to settle sexual harassment claim
Managers said to demand sex for pay and OT opportunities.
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2020
Tips to make optimal use of salvaged materials
Integrated teams, staging warehouse, and looking early and often, among recommendations.
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2020
Georgia gives the go-ahead for tall mass timber construction
Standards review scheduled to be completed by July 2021.
