Our homes are our sanctuaries – an extension of who we are – with the ability to evolve and reinvent themselves with the times. Our homes are also our largest expense and are typically our major contributor to our energy and natural resource footprint. According to the state’s newly released Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, the residential sector is the state’s second-largest emitter after transportation.
Homeowners planning renovations or building new homes enjoy an exciting array of sustainable choices including “green” building products, EnergyStar electric appliances, solar shades, ceiling fans, heat pumps, solar power with or without backup battery storage, automation, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. It’s even possible to build net zero/passive homes. Although such projects cost about 10% more to build than conventional homes, they provide significant savings over the lifetime of the building.
Federal tax credits, state energy improvement incentives, and low-cost Green loans make these revolutionary ecosystems quite affordable and, in some cases, generate revenue. Moreover, many programs and energy upgrades are available at little or no cost for income qualifying households. Sustainable choices for new build and home improvements come together to maximize comfort and energy efficiency, creating a healthier living environment.
Achievements to Date
- 22% of Fairfield homes have undergone an energy audit (Home Energy Solutions, or HES) between 2010 and 2021 to identify sources of wasted energy and remediate them to save money, increase energy efficiency, and add value to the home
- 670 Fairfield residences have installed solar energy systems as of December 31, 2021
- In 2015-16, the Sustainable Fairfield Task Force gave away more than 2,000 LED bulbs to residents at events
- Almost 900 EVs are currently registered in Fairfield
Challenges Ahead
- Need for an updated Town carbon emissions/sustainability reporting model so that Town decision-making aligns with county and state emissions goals
- Engaging and convincing homeowners to adopt sustainable principles in all home improvements and builds
- Zero-carbon solutions in the built environment abound, yet builders and developers are slow to adopt these new building materials and technologies
- Increasing the percentage of homes undergoing an HES home energy audit
- Promoting the environmental benefits of sustainable residential landscaping and man-made architectural landscape features (“hardscaping”)
Benefits of Sustainable Homes
- Reduced or net-zero conventional energy use
- Reduced or net-zero GHG emissions
- Financial returns on investment in the form of energy savings, maintenance savings, and lower insurance rates
- Optimized comfort and healthfulness of the home ecosystem, both inside and outside
- Built-in resilience to extreme weather and other climate change events
- Attractive, sustainable landscaping emphasizing native pollinator-friendly plantings, reducing lawn, organic/chemical-free management, and efficient water use
- Sustainable homes are eligible for certifications and awards, setting positive examples for others to emulate
- Live in harmony with nature and within the limits of Earth’s finite system
2030 Plan Goals
- At least 50% home energy audit (HES) participation
- 1,000 homes solarized
- 2,000 electric vehicles registered to Fairfield residents
- Enact a “no fossil fuel” building ordinance
- 50% of homes converted to zero emissions lawn care
- 50% of homes participating in Pollinator Pathway
How Do We Reach Our Goals?
- Explore programmatic and data collection coordination with Sustainable CT’s plan for municipalities, and Metropolitan Area Policy Council’s (MAPC) newly released community greenhouse gas inventory tool
- Metrics and reporting to include, but not be limited to, number of homes with rooftop solar; number of homes having undergone an energy audit; number of homes using organic and sustainable landscaping; number of homes with outdoor composting
- Promote home energy audits – a straightforward entry point for homeowners to acquire a growing sense of sustainability in thinking about their homes
- Advocate for zero emissions lawn care ordinance, starting with zero emissions leaf blowers.
- STEAMS (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, Sustainability) education storytelling makes sustainable behavior aspirational to any age while sharing and creating best practices