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Carbon Quantification Project
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Energy efficiency = energy savings= avoided carbon emissions

MaineHousing is leading the way to a greener future by connecting home energy efficiency improvements and carbon emission reductions. MaineHousing's Carbon Team has developed a methodology to measure, monitor, verify, aggregate and sell avoided carbon emissions from energy efficiency programs and projects run by housing agencies. Selling avoided carbon emissions will create a new revenue stream that can be used to expand residential energy efficiency programs.

The "Methodology for the Weatherization of Single Family and Multi-Family Buildings" has successfully completed the first validation by an independent third part verifier, First Environment, Inc. Any new methodology for quantifying carbon for sale under the Voluntary Carbon Standard (www.v-c-s.org) must go through a double approval process by two independent third party verifiers. MaineHousing anticipates that the second validation process will be completed by fall.

While MaineHousing's home weatherization efforts are focused on lower income homes, the carbon quantification methodology applies to homes of all incomes.

The Carbon Quantification Project began in 2008, in collaboration with the New Jersey and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agencies, and with financial support by the Ford Foundation. Additional financial support has been provided by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the U.S. Department of Energy (Training and Technical Assistance funds associated with MaineHousing's Weatherization program grant), and the participating housing finance agencies.

The Carbon Quantification Project will demonstrate the significant role the housing sector can play in addressing greenhouse gas emissions. The framework and tools developed as part of the project will be available to other agencies and organizations funding home energy efficiency improvements.

The Potential for Carbon Emission Reductions from Home Weatherization

Homes generate 22% of the Nation's greenhouse gas emissions and offer tremendous potential for cost-effective climate action.. Increasing energy efficiency in buildings directly benefits home residents through lower energy bills, improved comfort, and improved property values. On average, weatherizing one home results in approximately 20% energy savings and a 2 ton reduction in carbon emissions per year.

The Project will create a Guidance Document describing the basic elements required for any HFA or other eligible entity to participate, including:

  •   Model contracts and contract language for ownership of reductions
  •   One or more methodologies for quantifying the avoided carbon emissions
  •   A list of data requirements for measuring and monitoring
  •   A list of accredited third party verifiers who ensure that the emission reductions are real
  •   Registering, tracking, aggregating and selling avoided carbon emissions


For more information contact:

Lucy Van Hook, Carbon Project Manager
Email Me
(207) 626-4601


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