Housing Education and Residential Energy Efficiency: A Review of Technological and Economic Aspects of Energy Conservation

Abstract

The importance of energy efficiency in the residential sector is highlighted by its relationship to community issues, including housing affordability and economic development. Negative impacts of wasteful energy consumption include the disproportionate effects of rising energy costs on low-income people and the transfer of dollars from local communities to energy-exporting economies. Housing professionals can play an important role in keeping households and communities apprised of the technology and economics of energy conservation. This paper is presented as a primer on these issues for the housing educator, from whom consumers can learn about options in energy efficiency and their associated investment aspects. Housing educators can also help community leaders to become aware of the importance of conservation for its economic impacts in a local economy. Ultimately, energy awareness will prepare households and communities for expected future price increases and contribute to the conservation of finite resources.

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Joseph Laquatra

Joseph Laquatra is Assistant Professor in the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.