Abstract
This report explores the potential impact of improving energy efficiency in low-income housing in Brazil through the reduction of U-values in building envelopes. The study utilizes Supply and Use Tables (SUTs) to evaluate CO2 emissions associated with replacing masonry (brick-and-mortar) walls with steel frame systems, known for being almost 6 times more thermally insulating. Energy consumption for both alternatives was calculated for a 42-m² standalone house using Energy Plus. The results indicate that although new materials lead to approximately a 1.33% increase in CO2 emissions, this rise is compensated by reductions in CO2 emissions from the electricity sector within a 5-year timeframe. The sustained decrease in energy consumption from the new envelope system has the potential to save over 3.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over 30 years. The innovative use of SUTs in this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the entire economic chain linked to the proposed scenarios. The report concludes by emphasizing the significance of exploring strategies aimed at reducing the energy demand in Latin America and the Caribbean.
