How can energy-efficient structures compete in an inefficient energy market

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:5552599

Noll, S

The only way resources can be efficiently allocated in our market system is if prices of resources, goods, and services properly reflect their true value to society. However, because of (a) imperfections in the pricing mechanisms that currently influence private-sector decision making; (b) the difference in planning horizons between individuals and government; and (c) the external benefits that would accrue to society from energy-conscious decision making by individuals, it is apparent that there exists a substantial underinvestment in advanced-conservation and renewable-resource building technologies. Even if domestic energy prices were deregulated to reflect world market prices (now determined by OPEC) it is likely that underinvestment in energy-conscious design would still occur. For that reason, the only way that energy-conscious design will be implemented to the extent warranted is if a concerted political commitment is made to such a program at the Federal, state, and local levels. Such a commitment is not without precedent. The experiences of Davis and San Diego, California, and the TVA exemplify the extent to which energy conservation and renewable-resource development can be carried out if political leadership and support is established. It is known that technologies and design solutions for energy-efficient buildings are available today and are cost-effective. What remains to be seen is whether the political leadership of the United States will fully recognize the sensibility of a concerted conservation and renewable-energy-resource program for buildings as opposed to continued attempts at increasing energy production to supply an energy-inefficient-building inventory. 16 references.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos Scientific Lab., NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 5552599
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-80-848; CONF-800429-1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320100* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Buildings
ALLOCATIONS
BUILDINGS
CALIFORNIA
COMMERCIAL SECTOR
COMMODITIES
COMMUNITIES
COMPETITION
DECISION MAKING
ECONOMIC IMPACT
EFFICIENCY
EMPLOYMENT
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
INVENTORIES
INVESTMENT
MARKET
NORTH AMERICA
RENEWABLE RESOURCES
RESIDENTIAL SECTOR
RESOURCES
SOCIAL IMPACT
SOCIOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
USA
WESTERN REGION