Energy Efficiency: What Do All Those Ratings Really Mean?
Energy Efficiency: What Do All Those Ratings Really Mean? Bob Vila
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Energy Efficiency Ratings and Sustainable Development Goals
Introduction
Understanding energy efficiency ratings is crucial for reducing carbon footprints, improving indoor air quality, and saving energy in homes. This report will decode some of the most important ratings and their significance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
1. Energy Star
Energy Star is a widely recognized rating system that assesses the energy efficiency of appliances and building products. It helps consumers compare the energy efficiency of various products, such as washers, refrigerators, air conditioners, light bulbs, windows, doors, and heat pumps.
Energy Star products meet the high standards for energy efficiency set by the Environmental Protection Agency. While they may cost more upfront, they provide long-term utility bill savings.
2. National Green Building Standard
The National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is a comprehensive rating system for energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable homes. It sets standards for architects, builders, and developers to ensure homes meet criteria for water and energy efficiency, indoor air quality, sustainable building materials and practices, tree preservation, and low maintenance landscaping.
NGBS certified homes contribute to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting sustainable construction practices and reducing environmental impacts.
3. SEER 2
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (SEER2) rates the energy efficiency of air conditioners, gas furnaces, and heat pumps. SEER2 ratings range from 14 to 21, with higher ratings indicating greater efficiency. Each unit of SEER improvement can result in approximately 7% electric bill savings.
By encouraging the use of high SEER2-rated appliances, SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) can be achieved through reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
4. LEED
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is awarded to buildings, including residential homes, that demonstrate energy efficiency, low carbon footprint, and healthy indoor air quality. LEED ratings consider various aspects of a home’s systems, from energy and water efficiency to sustainable building materials.
LEED-certified homes contribute to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable building practices.
5. EER
The Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) is used to rate the cooling efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. The most energy-efficient units have an EER of 12 or above. Manufacturers provide EER ratings, but it can also be calculated by dividing the cooling output (in BTUs) by the wattage.
Promoting high EER-rated appliances aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by encouraging the use of energy-efficient technologies and reducing resource consumption.
6. HSPF
The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) rates the heating efficiency of air-source heat pumps. An HSPF rating above 8.2 is considered efficient enough to earn an Energy Star rating. The most energy-efficient heat pumps have an HSPF rating of around 10.
By promoting the use of high HSPF-rated heat pumps, SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) can be achieved through reduced energy consumption and increased use of renewable energy sources.
7. AFUE
The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating measures the efficiency of furnaces by indicating the percentage of fuel converted into heat. High-efficiency furnaces have an AFUE rating of 90% or greater, meaning they convert 90% of the fuel they burn into heat.
Using high AFUE-rated furnaces contributes to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by reducing energy waste and promoting efficient heating systems.
8. Enterprise Green Communities Certification
The Enterprise Green Communities Certification is awarded to affordable housing communities that meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and indoor air quality. These communities feature energy-efficient homes with sustainable building materials, outdoor play areas, community gardens, and native landscaping.
Enterprise Green Communities Certification aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting sustainable housing options for all.
9. HERS
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index measures a home’s overall energy efficiency compared to other homes. A lower HERS score indicates higher energy efficiency. The average resale home has a rating of 130, while a new home has an average rating of around 100.
HERS ratings contribute to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by encouraging energy-efficient homes and reducing energy consumption.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
- Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP
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SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
- Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities (population weighted)
-
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
- Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP
Analysis
The article discusses various energy efficiency ratings and certifications related to homes and appliances. Based on the content, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
This SDG is addressed in the article through the discussion of energy efficiency ratings for appliances and buildings. Improving energy efficiency contributes to affordable and clean energy.
Targets:
- Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
Indicators:
- Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
This SDG is connected to the article through the discussion of energy efficiency standards for buildings and the impact of buildings on the environment. Improving energy efficiency in buildings contributes to sustainable cities and communities.
Targets:
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
Indicators:
- Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities (population weighted)
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
This SDG is relevant to the article as it discusses the importance of sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, including energy. Improving energy efficiency contributes to responsible consumption and production.
Targets:
- Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
Indicators:
- Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency | Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities (population weighted) |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources | Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: bobvila.com
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