Improving
energy efficiency in HUD-financed and HUD-assisted housing can generate significant
savings for the Federal government, property owners and building residents. Energy-efficient
housing is more comfortable, healthy and durable. It also costs less to operate
and is better for the environment. As
a result of a Memorandum
of Understanding with EPA and DOE, HUD is working with ENERGY
STAR to promote energy-efficient products and practices that save energy,
save money and protect the environment. The Memorandum commits HUD to expand the
use of ENERGY STAR products in HUD-assisted and HUD-financed Housing. Energy-Efficient
Products Find refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, heating and
cooling equipment, windows, lighting, fans, exit signs and more. Learn about these
products, use online calculators to determine potential savings, find rebates,
and locate retailers. High
Performance New Homes Discover benefits and features of ENERGY STAR qualified
new homes; read climate-specific construction specifications for builders; and
use the partner locator to find local builders, raters, utilities, and lenders. Improve
Efficiency in Existing Homes Explore home improvement tools that can help
improve the efficiency, comfort, and performance of existing housing. Estimate
savings; learn about home sealing, insulation, and heating and cooling; find solutions
to common home improvement problems; and locate expert help. Performance
Tools for Large Buildings Find performance tools for developing an energy
management strategy. Learn the 5-stage approach to building upgrades, use a financial
value calculator, read a comprehensive building upgrade manual, and locate expert
help. The
energy-saving potential is impressive: - HUD
spends more than 10% of its annual budget-an estimated $4 billion-on energy. These
funds are distributed through utility allowances to renters, housing assistance
payments to private building owners, and operating grants to public housing authorities.
HUD estimates that installing basic efficiency measures in public housing alone
can save taxpayers at least $800 million over the next 10 years.
- EPA
estimates that individual apartment renters can save 15% to 20% on their energy
bills by installing ENERGY STAR qualified products such as refrigerators, room
air conditioners, and lighting.
- An ENERGY STAR qualified new home
can save 30% a year or more ($200 to $400) on heating and cooling bills.
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