A compendium and analysis of energy efficient new homes support in North Carolina

Hoover, Scott (2012) A compendium and analysis of energy efficient new homes support in North Carolina. Masters by Coursework thesis, Murdoch University.

Abstract

The growth of the energy efficient new homes market in North Carolina has largely been through free market demand. However, greater energy efficiency savings and increased market penetration of these homes will be necessary to mitigate climate change. This dissertation creates a compendium of the resources supporting market penetration of energy efficient new homes. Resources are identified whether they contribute directly to the industry such as utility incentives, or indirectly such as the educational institutions building the necessary workforce. Resources include federal and state government, private and non-profit enterprise, industry organizations, and their policies, incentives, and other influences. The drivers and barriers to energy efficient homes gaining market share in North Carolina are identified and conclusions are drawn about what can contribute to greater adoption of energy efficient homes in North Carolina. The findings show that North Carolina is resource rich but policy poor. Many strong organizations are poised to support the industry, but the policies and incentives needed to move the industry forward are not in place. Energy efficiency has taken a back seat to renewable energy. However, policies that have been influential in the past, such as building energy codes and utility incentive programs have recently been strengthened. The influence of this strengthening on energy efficient new homes remains to be seen. The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS) appears to be a significant driver of renewable energy and to a lesser extent energy efficiency. However, the energy efficiency portion of the REPS is weak compared to other states and should be strengthened. In addition, new policies are needed that value energy efficiency on an even footing with renewable energy.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters by Coursework)
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Engineering and Energy
Supervisor(s):	Pryor, Trevor
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/12932

Item Control Page

Downloads