Energy Efficiency is about Location, Location, Location

A new peer reviewed study reveals that housing located in compact, transit-oriented and location efficient developments are more likely to consume less energy than developments in low density suburban areas.

1 minute read

February 25, 2011, 1:00 PM PST

By Jason Van Patten


The analysis, prepared by the Jonathan Rose Companies in conjunction with the EPA, takes a look at different development scenarios and the impacts on energy efficiency. The study takes into account different variables from housing types (detached, attached housing), use of energy efficient design, vehicle type (fuel efficient, conventional) and proximity to public transportation.

"A comparison based on national averages indicates that the energy consumption (and, thus, global warming emissions) of a typical household in a transit-oriented location is likely to be less than that of a household in a conventional suburban location (i.e., "sprawl"), even if the household in a conventional suburban location employs energy-efficient building technology and drives fuel-efficient vehicles."

Thursday, February 24, 2011 in NRDC

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