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 | May 20, 2020
St. Louis is first Midwest city to pass building energy performance standard
Allows owners broad flexibility on how to achieve goals.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2020
Supreme Court says Georgia cannot copyright its entire official code
Ruling may have implications for other states claiming copyright for building codes.
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2020
Strategies to reduce personal contact in multifamily properties
Design can improve health amid COVID-19 pandemic.
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2020
Canada Green Building Council says building industry lacks zero-carbon skills, knowledge
Net-zero target requires shift in thinking and practices.
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2020
California’s grid can support all-electric buildings
Load-shifting will help reduce peak demand.
Codes and Standards | May 15, 2020
European cities to revamp transportation after pandemic reopening
Road closures, new rules for public transit will be imposed.
Codes and Standards | May 14, 2020
Washington State construction industry restart plan has three phases
In state with earliest COVID-19 cases, advisory group developing priorities based on risk.
Codes and Standards | May 14, 2020
More mass timber beam and column options available in the U.S.
Freres Lumber unveils new line of structural elements suitable for high-rise buildings.
Codes and Standards | May 13, 2020
Researchers flag insufficient training for construction workers on healthcare projects
May contribute to fungal disease outbreaks that endanger patients
Codes and Standards | May 8, 2020
New NIBS report evaluates natural disaster mitigation strategies
Document examines strengthening buildings for flood, wind, wildfires, and earthquakes.