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New home construction in the US generates over 50 million tons of embodied carbon emissions annually. Analysis of 921 model homes across the US, Canada, and Europe indicates average cradle-to-gate emissions of 184 kg CO2e/m2. Reductions of 30% to 50% are achievable using existing, cost-parity materials by targeting concrete, insulation, cladding, and interior surfaces, which comprise over 70% of total emissions. Further reductions up to 140% are possible through low-emitting and carbon-storing materials.

The document explores the climate impacts of carbon-intensive building materials like concrete and steel, emphasizing that while recycling is necessary, it is insufficient to address the scale of production-related emissions. Panelists advocate for a transition toward reuse, natural building materials, and circular business models to lower embodied emissions. Key policy recommendations include federal 'buy-clean' legislation requiring environmental product declarations (EPDs), expanded product stewardship to hold manufacturers responsible for the entire life cycle of products, and the creation of a national circular economy plan to coordinate goals across states and cities.

The briefing examines the link between indoor air quality (IAQ) and home energy performance, suggesting that healthcare providers can improve patient well-being by recommending energy upgrades. It highlights that poor IAQ costs the U.S. economy over $10 billion annually and notes that specific improvements—such as controlled ventilation, humidity control, and building envelope sealing—can reduce allergens and mold. The document promotes a partnership between RMI and NEEF to provide health professionals with educational materials, including the 'Health Heroes' infographic, to encourage homeowners to invest in energy-efficient upgrades that reduce carbon emissions and improve health.

The 'Help My House' pilot project provided energy-efficient upgrades—including heat pumps, insulation, and air leak sealing—to electrical cooperative members in South Carolina at no upfront cost. Participants experienced significant reductions in monthly electric bills and improved home comfort. On average, participating houses reduced electricity use by 34 percent, resulting in an average annual saving of $288 after loan payments, with projected savings exceeding $1,100 annually once loans are repaid.

The "Help My House" pilot program in South Carolina used on-bill financing to enable homeowners to fund energy efficiency retrofits, achieving 125% of its goal by February 2012. Supported by a $740,000 USDA Rural Utility Service loan, the program provided 2.5% financing tied to the electric meter, bypassing traditional credit checks. The pilot resulted in an average loan of $7,684 per home, with projected annual energy savings of 11,593 kWh and an average energy reduction of 35% per home.

The document details how whole building design and climate-responsive architecture reduce energy consumption. It highlights specific features such as cool roofs, tight building shells, and Energy Star appliances, noting that energy-efficient homes can reduce heating, cooling, and hot water costs by 30 to 40 percent compared to conventional new homes. It also addresses barriers to adoption, including the high cost of retrofitting existing buildings and the lack of federal energy codes.

The document outlines a hierarchy for space cooling, prioritizing the minimization of heat gain through passive measures before investing in mechanical systems. It details various cooling technologies, including fans, evaporative coolers, heat pumps, and air conditioners, providing guidance on their efficiency, costs, and appropriate climatic applications.

The document analyzes the potential market value of three key energy efficiency technologies for commercial and residential buildings: insulation, lighting, and building controls. It projects growth from 2010 to 2030 across the European Union, the United States, and global markets, comparing an 'incremental' scenario based on current policies and an 'aggressive' scenario based on more ambitious legislation. The findings generally indicate robust short-term growth (2010-2020) across all technologies, with varying long-term trajectories depending on the level of government intervention and regulatory stringency.