Building Construction Handbook, Eighth Edition

• Basis for improvement ~ total annual CO 2 emissions are
  around 150 million tonnes (MtC).


• CO 2 represents about 85% of all greenhouse gases produced
  by burning fossil fuels (methane 6%, nitrous oxide 5%,
  industrial trace gases the remainder).


• 25 million homes produce about 27% (41 MtC) of carbon
  emissions, representing a significant target for improvement
  (non-domestic buildings about 18%, 27 MtC).


• The table below shows the disposition of domestic carbon
  emissions.

Source 1990 (%) 2003 (%) (Note 2)

Cooking 8 5

Lighting and appliances 33 22

Hot water 18 20

Heating (see Note 1) 41 53

Source: Climate change † The UK Programme, TSO.

Note 1: Expectations for comfort standards in dwellings are rising.

Domestic air conditioning is on the increase, partly in response to

climatic change and global warming. Energy expended could increase

to include a factor for cooling.

Note 2: Carbon emissions for 2003 are about 5% lower than in 1990.

The energy efficiency of new homes is about 70% higher than

those built in 1990. However, many older homes have been

improved to include some of the following provisions:

Application Potential reduction,

CO 2 per annum (kg)

Loft insulation 1000

Double glazing 700

Draft proofing (doors, windows, floors) 300

Wall cavity insulation 750

Condensing boiler 875

Insulated hot water storage cylinder 160

Energy saving light bulb 45 (each)

Thermal Insulation, UK Carbon Emissions Data