Evaluating the impacts of model conservation standards on single-family construction practices in the Northwest.

摘要

The Bonneville Power Administration (Bonneville) in conjunction with the Northwest Power Planning Council has implemented a wide range of activities to improve building practice in the Pacific Northwest. This range includes offering technical assistance, the use of financial incentives, the Super Good Cents marketing program, the Early Adopter Code Program, and even a threatened surcharge. The purpose of this study is to assess the impacts of these activities on single-family home construction. This is accomplished by comparing the energy efficiency of 1983 pre-program homes with 1987 homes, and by comparing 1987 homes built under Bonneville programs with other homes constructed in the same year. The evaluation is comprised of four interrelated components: an occupant survey, billing history analysis, energy simulation modeling, and construction characteristics data from site visits, including blower door tests. This paper describes the research plan, discusses several methodological issues, and presents preliminary results of this evaluation. 7 refs., 7 tabs.