| Local Policy Description: | Residential Use of Solar Hot Water Heating
Responsible Department: Buildings
CO2 Savings in 2010: 745 tons
In Massachusetts, water heating accounts for approximately 14% of the average family's home energy consumption. Solar hot water heating systems can cut water heating electricity use by 40 to 60%. A solar hot water heating system collects thermal energy from the sun to heat the water used to take showers, wash dishes and clean laundry. After a heat transfer fluid runs through pipes in rooftop panels and is heated by the sun's rays, the fluid is pumped down to a heat exchanger where it warms household water. If 10% of residences in Brookline installed solar hot water heating systems by 2010, 745 tons of CO2 could be eliminated and $61,203 could be saved due to reduced electricity consumption.
Use of Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs in Residences
Responsible Organization: CCAB
CO2 Savings in 2010: 7,181 tons
This measure evaluates the impact of Brookline residents converting conventional incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescents for their home lighting needs. Incandescent light bulbs waste a lot of electricity through the heat that the bulbs produce. A fluorescent bulb produces much less heat and as a result can be four to six times as efficient as incandescent bulbs. A 15-watt compact fluorescent provides the same amount of light as a 60-watt incandescent. In addition, compact fluorescents last at least nine to ten times longer than an incandescent. Approximately 9% of a home’s energy budget is used for lighting. Collectively, Americans could save $750 million if everyone switched to compact fluorescents. If Brookline residents converted their light bulbs to compact fluorescents, it could result in the elimination of 7,181 tons of CO2 in 2010 and result in $655,749 in financial savings.
Residential Energy Efficiency Program
Responsible Department: Buildings, Energy Efficiency/Environmental Coordinator
CO2 Savings in 2010: 20,918 tons
The town could develop a residential energy efficiency program that supported programs already set in place by local utilities such as NStar. NStar has a variety of programs to promote energy efficiency that offer free energy audits and rebates for energy efficient retrofits and appliances. Brookline could develop an energy education and outreach program for citizens and schoolchildren that advocates energy conservation and involvement with NStar's residential programs. The program could involve the creation of informational material and workshops that outline available resources and contacts and strategies for energy conservation. If a residential energy efficiency program resulted in a 5% decrease in energy consumption in Brookline residences, 20,918 tons of CO2 could be eliminated and annual financial savings of $2,999,727 could result.
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