Implementing HUD's Energy Strategy


Book Description

This report by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Policy Development and Research, Energy Task Force builds upon HUD¿s initial report -- submitted in August 2006 -- and describes the initiatives that HUD has undertaken to address rising energy costs in federally assisted housing. Contents: (A) Introduction: Estimated Energy Savings; Selected Accomplishments; Congressional Actions Impacting HUD; (B) Energy Costs and Affordable Housing; (C) HUD¿s Energy Strategy; (D) Progress to Date; (E) Moving to Green Building; (F) Energy Reduction Goals and Incentives; Appendixes. Tables.




Green Affordable Housing


Book Description

Rising energy prices and concerns about the environment have fueled interest in "green building" -- resource-efficient construction and maintenance practices that reduce adverse impacts on the natural environment. HUD spends an estimated $5 billion on energy costs annually in its affordable housing programs and has recently taken steps to reduce its energy costs. This report reviews: (1) HUD's efforts to promote energy efficiency in its programs and the use of performance measures; (2) potential costs and long-term benefits of green building in HUD's affordable housing programs; and (3) lessons learned elsewhere that HUD could use to promote green building. Includes recommendations. Illustrations.




Building Better Homes


Book Description

This report examines the structure, characteristics, and motivations of major participants in the housing industry to explore how innovation might be accelerated. It identifies options and strategies for the federal government to consider as it attempts to further advance innovation in housing to make homes more affordable, durable, and safe. Innovation in housing would provide benefits to a broad range of participants, including homebuilders, manufacturers, insurers, regulators, and homeowners.







Energy-Saving Tips, Techniques and Recommendations for Owners of Manufactured (Mobile) Homes


Book Description

* All homes experience wear and tear. Whether your home is five or 50 years old, chances are good that it can benefit from cost-effective measures to improve its energy efficiency. Wind, vibrations, sunlight and seasonal temperature changes can loosen up a tight home, increasing air leakage; windows may no longer close tightly, and ductwork can spring leaks, wasting huge amounts of heating or cooling energy. Furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters that have been running for years gradually lose efficiency, especially if regular cleaning and maintenance hasn't been done. All these things add up!* Technologies change. While your manufactured home may have been built to the energy standards of the time, dramatic progress has been made over the past few decades with high-efficiency mechanical equipment, insulation, windows, and so forth. Our understanding of how to retrofit manufactured homes for energy savings has also improved through years of experience-as has our knowledge of how to prevent moisture problems.* Energy costs are going up. Whether you use electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil, many experts believe that prices will continue to rise. Improving your home now guards against future increases, and rolls back the costs you're paying today.




Energy-Saving Tips, Techniques and Recommendations for Owners of Manufactured (Mobile) Homes


Book Description

- All homes experience wear and tear. Whether your home is five or 50 years old, chances are good that it can benefit from cost-effective measures to improve its energy efficiency. Wind, vibrations, sunlight and seasonal temperature changes can loosen up a tight home, increasing air leakage; windows may no longer close tightly, and ductwork can spring leaks, wasting huge amounts of heating or cooling energy. Furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters that have been running for years gradually lose efficiency, especially if regular cleaning and maintenance hasn't been done. All these things add up! - Technologies change. While your manufactured home may have been built to the energy standards of the time, dramatic progress has been made over the past few decades with high-efficiency mechanical equipment, insulation, windows, and so forth. Our understanding of how to retrofit manufactured homes for energy savings has also improved through years of experience-as has our knowledge of how to prevent moisture problems. - Energy costs are going up. Whether you use electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil, many experts believe that prices will continue to rise. Improving your home now guards against future increases, and rolls back the costs you're paying today.