The main source of GHG emissions in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors is the combustion of fossil fuels for space heating, air conditioning, and water heating. Residential space heating accounts for 17% of Connecticut’s GHG emissions.  Commercial and industrial processing, space heating, etc. account for 7 % and 10% respectively of the state’s GHG emissions.

The strategies in the Residential, Commercial, and Industrial sector that are currently being analyzed by NESCAUM include:

• increasing funding for electric efficiency programs (Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund) and gas efficiency programs (Natural Gas Efficiency Fund);
• requiring minimum energy efficiency standards on high-energy use appliances;
• amending building codes to include GHG reduction requirements;
• maximizing energy efficiency through 20 previously identified measures;
• increasing use of ground and air source heat pumps;
• increasing weatherization of homes;
• introducing smart meters and load management programs;
• expanding the capture, recovery, and recycling of high global warming potential gases;
• maximizing potential for district heating and cooling and combined heat and power applications.

View CT GHG Emissions:  Mitigation Options Overview and Reduction Estimates, December 17, 2010.
View Sources and Notes for analysis of Residential, Commercial and Industrial strategies.

Resources

Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Sector: Potential Strategies List - From 2007-2008 stakeholder process and further analysis (excerpted from Draft Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategies Table).

Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Sector, 2005 CT Climate Change Action Plan

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