Exploring Decarbonization and Clean Energy Pathways for Disadvantaged Communities in California

Date Published
07/2022
Publication Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Abstract

California has a state-wide goal of carbon neutrality by 2045. Decarbonization for disadvantaged communities (DACs) poses extra challenges due to financial, informational, language, and other barriers. This paper presents the methodology, results, and analysis of energy efficiency measures (EEMs) to save energy, reduce CO2 emission, and promote clean energy access at the district scale for two DACs in Fresno, California. The methods are broadly applicable to other neighborhoods across the U.S. 22 EEMs were identified and modelled for all residential buildings in the two DACs both individually and as packages. Results show that for energy and CO2 reduction purposes, the top performing EEM package can decrease energy use and CO₂ emissions by an average of 60%. For electrification, heat pump water heaters are a viable solution, coupled with air source or mini-split heat pumps. Replacing gasoline vehicles with electric vehicles is another important measure in electrification and reducing GHG emissions.

Conference Name
5th International Conference on Building Energy and Environment
Year of Publication
2022
Conference Location
Montreal, Canada
Keywords
Organizations
Research Areas
File(s)
Download citation