Joseph Laquatra

Housing market capitalization of thermal integrity

Abstract The extent to which housing markets capitalize investments in energy efficiency is important to observe. The uncertainty now associated with this process can lead households to allocate resources inefficiently in the production of thermal comfort, by substituting more fuel inputs for less capital. From a policy perspective, the end result of this is the continued construction of units in the housing stock with sub-optimal levels of energy efficiency. This study is a cross-sectional analysis of houses constructed through the Energy Efficient Housing Demonstration Program of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Values of investments in energy efficiency are derived from a hedonic regression which includes a vector of thermal integrity factors as an independent variable.

Profiles of Housing Cost Burden in the United States

In this study, the ordered logistic regression model indicates that renters suffer a greater housing cost burden than homeowners and that the lower the income of the household, the larger the portion of income that is spent for housing. Further, the model also shows that the burden of high housing costs falls disproportionately on certain groups of American households. Compared to the reference group, two single-risk groups (Asian-American households and households with three or more children) and two dual-risk groups (female-headed households with three or more children and minority households with three or more children) tend to have a higher risk of excessive housing costs. Elderly households and three elderly-related groups (female-headed elderly households, minority elderly households, and female-headed minority elderly households), however, tend to have a lower risk of housing cost burden than other households. The housing cost burden of the reference group is comparable to the housing cost burden of each of the following groups: for single female-headed households; Black households; Hispanic households; and female-headed minority households. The policy implications of these findings are discussed in the paper.

Energy efficiency and radon risks in residential housing

The primary purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of housing weatherization on radon levels through a multivarate analysis in which a number of radon determinants are statistically controlled. Data from 245 randomly selected representative households in nonmetropolitan counties of central and western New York State have been used for empirical analysis. The key finding is that there is no significant relation between the degree of weatherization and radon levels in the house when soil types and space-heating systems are statistically controlled. This finding, together with previously obtained empirical results, suggests that we should not decrease our energy-conservation activities because of fear of radon contamination in the home.

Waste Management at the Construction Site

Construction and demolition (CD 2006). According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2003), C&D debris amounts to 170 million tons per year, or 40 percent of the solid waste stream in the U.S. While efforts to reduce this through reduction, recycling, reuse, or rebuying continue to expand through government mandates, green building incentives, and education, much work remains to be done. This chapter will begin with a history of C&D debris management and will cover state and local government regulations that pertain to C&D debris. Impacts on this matter from green building programs will be described. Issues that pertain to landfills, including C&D landfills, will be evaluated, along with concerns that relate to specific materials. The chapter will conclude with a discussion of lessons learned to date and recommendations for improved progress.

Determinants of homeowner's response to energy conservation in non-metropolitan areas☆

The purpose of this paper is to analyze determinants of the household energy response, including physical adjustments of the house and behavioral adjustments of household members. Three models are constructed: the first is used to quantify conservation actions using an index of energy conservation; the second is employed to identify factors related to behavioral adjustments with respect to no-cost measures; the third model deals with household future energy conservation plans. One of the most important observations from this study is that energy conservation is a cumulative process for households that is multi-dimensional in scope. Another important finding is that household participation in a utility energy audit program is highly related to levels of energy conservation. Special attention is paid to particular socioeconomic groups, who are identified as having specific needs for tailored educational programs.

Residential Building Construction: State-of-the-Art Review

AbstractThis paper presents an overview of the most current topics of interest related to the field of housing and residential building construction. It addresses issues related to industry-wide residential construction trends, policies, innovative technology adoption, construction management, sustainability, energy efficiency, building science, and the need for education, especially regarding architectural concerns. The authors discuss several key technical aspects of residential building, such as structural concerns, building enclosures, and indoor environmental quality issues. Emphasis is placed on the need for renewed research and development efforts, outside-the-box thinking related to financial and investment structures for housing, improved models for adopting innovative technologies in residential construction, new construction management approaches, incorporation of more advanced building science in conjunction with advanced engineered features and architectural design, embracing green and sustai...

Rural landlords and rental housing energy efficiency

Abstract This study examines several aspects of energy conservation in non-metropolitan rental housing with a focus on landlords. The study includes an analysis of data collected through a survey of rental housing owners in four non-metropolitan counties of New York State. Findings include differences in conservation behaviour and perspectives of small-scale and large-scale property owners. Some differences were also observed among landlords based on identified economic incentives. Policies targeted to different categories of landlords are recommended for the purpose of improving energy efficiency in the rental housing sector.

Practical Management Strategies to Reduce Exposure Risks of Indoor Air Pollutants in Limited Resource Households

Abstract The goal of this research project was to test a teaching method that would encourage members of limited resource households to reduce their risks of exposure to indoor environmental toxins. The study focused on an educational approach for conveying the importance of healthy indoor air quality to those living in such households. This “Practical Management Strategies” project (PMS) had four components. The first was a summary of educational resources developed in this area for limited resource households. The second identified limits and gaps in these materials and developed new materiah to fill these gaps. The third component was the implementation of a pilot program which both educated occupants about indoor environmental toxins and audited the presence of such toxins in their homes. The fourth component was a gauge of the effectiveness of this pilot program’s approach.

Re-assessing the economic and analytical tools that measure and optimize households’ energy-efficiency improvements

Since the Arab oil embargo of 1973, technologies associated with residential energy efficiency have developed from applications unfamiliar to building and remodeling contractors to recognizable techniques required by building codes. Codes specify minimum levels of energy efficiency, and installing energy-efficiency measures that go beyond code specifications have economic and environmental ramifications. Commonly used decision-making tools regarding energy-efficiency improvements for consumers are described, along with some of the pitfalls associated with these analytical methods. The purpose of this paper is to provide an argument for expanding the evaluation techniques related to energy-efficiency improvement upgrades within the home. An alternative method of evaluating energy-efficiency upgrades is proposed, which incorporates measures beyond simply monthly cost savings such as growth in house price attributed to energy-efficient upgrades.

Lead in Household Products

Humans have used lead for various purposes for thousands of years. Despite awareness of the dangers associated with lead, this element continues to appear in a wide range of household products and poses hazards through different exposure pathways. Sources of household lead exposure discussed in this chapter include: paint dust, drinking water, solder, candle wicks, wood finishes and brass fittings, ceramics, shot and bullets, food and spices, toys and jewelry, lead as a stabilizer in vinyl and polyvinyl chloride-based plastics and wiring, cosmetics, electronic equipment and electronic waste, contaminated soil, and lead batteries. Despite awareness of the dangers of lead exposure, lead in consumer products continues to be the reason for recalls, and the majority of those recalled products originate in China. Consumer education on this topic is ongoing, but should be expanded. Targeted audiences should include new parents, medical professionals, teachers, and others. Important messages should stress that any exposure to lead, especially by children, is harmful.