Review of Adoption Status of Sustainable Energy Technologies in the US Residential Building Sector

In this paper, a review of the adoption status of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies is presented, specific to US residential buildings. Various technologies are reviewed and categorized as either their relative higher adoption or lower adoption rates within the US housing stock. More importantly, the review analysis investigates the main factors associated with their high or low adoption rates. Specifically, the paper provides a background of the historical progression of energy efficiency programs as well as sustainability certifications and standards for buildings. The review then analyzes specific building energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies applied to US residential buildings and their adoption rates. The review analysis indicates that building technologies are more frequently adopted for multiple reasons including requirements by codes and standards, incentives through green certifications, low implementation costs, and acceptance and popularity by the public. In contrast, technologies with low adoption rates have higher payback periods, are not required or highly incentivized through codes and certifications, have limited promotion about their benefits, or are not compatible with existing systems. By determining the reasons for the high and low adoption rates, mitigation options can be identified to increase the application of sustainable energy technologies in designing and retrofitting buildings.

Automated summary

This paper reviews the adoption status of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in US residential buildings, and analyzes the main factors influencing their adoption rates. Technologies with high adoption rates are driven by code and standard requirements, incentives through green certifications, low implementation costs, and public acceptance. In contrast, technologies with low adoption rates have longer payback periods, limited incentives or promotion, or are incompatible with existing systems.