Energy efficiencyEnergy efficiency in buildings
Energy efficiency in buildings
Buildings account for 40% of energy consumption in most countries, yet their potential for energy efficiency is huge. By using adapted insulation and energy savings techniques, up to 80% of a building’s energy consumption for heating or cooling can be saved.
Energy efficiency measures in buildings are the most cost effective policy measures available
Of all possible measures to abate greenhouse gas emissions, those that use energy more efficiently bear the lowest “cost”. A recent McKinsey study, conducted for the German economy, finds considerable untapped potential in cost-effective energy efficiency measures, especially for the residential sector. The graph below compares a number of CO2 reduction measures for the residential sector in terms of cost and reduction potential.
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Better insulation of buildings is the most profitable way to reduce the CO2 emissions: it is the lowest hanging fruit in combating climate change. Millions of tonnes of CO2 and fossil fuel can be saved by better insulating our buildings.
“Insulation is the most economical solution for building energy efficiency in any climate”
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“Insulation is one of the few products that has no other purpose than to provide comfort and save energy.”