2022 - Efficient Design and Engineering Better Energy Saving Homes - Poster Presentation

Global warming is an important present-day issue. The rate at which temperatures are rising is being impacted by human activity. Consequently, rising sea levels and the loss of biodiversity are universal. The objective of this research paper is to analyze current construction practices and offer ideas on how to better improve on current methods for construction to reduce carbon emissions of housing. Current construction for single-family dwellings consists of 16 inch on center 2 inch x4 inch lumber for interior, with 24 inch on center and 2 inch x6 inch lumber for exterior walls, utilizing fiberglass insulation to help retain a specified temperature. With the least efficient equipment usually installed for the sake of cost. Though, more builders are opting for 90% efficient furnaces, they are not as efficient as heat pumps, and create greenhouse gases as a byproduct of using gas to create heat. This all being a product of what is now a standard building model that most are familiar with, but not the most efficient building method. With slight changes in practices, it can be a push for net zero.