Strategies for Reducing Household Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The research paper delves into the issue of high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from residential areas. It highlights how outdated appliances, inefficient heating systems, and non-renewable energy sources contribute significantly to these emissions. The study proposes a series of interventions including upgrading to modern, energy-efficient household appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators, implementing solar energy solutions for water heating, and transitioning to more sustainable technology like LED televisions. These measures are expected not only to reduce the carbon footprint but also lower energy consumption. Comparative analysis using data from green households demonstrates a potential reduction in GHG emissions when these strategies are implemented effectively. The paper concludes by underscoring the importance of adopting both technological upgrades and behavioral changes to achieve significant environmental benefits.

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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Greenhouse Gas Emissions for the Existing House........................................................................4
Measures to Reduce the Greenhouse Gas Emission......................................................................16
Transport....................................................................................................................................16
Heating and Cooling..................................................................................................................17
Hot Water...................................................................................................................................19
Washing Machine......................................................................................................................20
Refrigeration..............................................................................................................................21
Television...................................................................................................................................22
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................23
Bibliography..................................................................................................................................25

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Introduction
Greenhouse gases absorb and emit radiation within the earth’s atmosphere. Consequently, this
leads to the greenhouse effect that causes an increase in the atmospheric temperature. Examples
of greenhouse gases are Carbon (IV) Oxide, methane, ozone and water vapour. Households
contribute to the emission of these gases. The lifestyle and behaviour of household users is a
major determinant on the amount of the greenhouse gas emitted into the atmosphere (Ramseur,
et al., 2008). Activities in the house such as washing, cooking and bathing may result in the use
of energy that contributes to greenhouse gas emission for example, use of fossil fuels as a source
of energy. This paper focus on the greenhouse gas emission for a house with four occupants. The
plan for the house is as shown below.

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Greenhouse Gas Emissions for the Existing House
The area of the house is calculated as follows:
(3.53×2.5) + (3×2.5) + (2×2.5) + (2.5×2.5) + (3.5×3.5) + (6.49×4.1) = 66.434 m2

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Figure 1: House details

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Figure 2: Personal Transport
The members of the household do not use public transport to commute.
Figure 3: Household air travel

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Figure 4: Building floor and roof
Figure 5: House windows

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Figure 6: External walls
Figure 7: Air leakage

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Figure 8: Heating System
Figure 9: Cooling system

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Figure 10: Hot water service
Figure 11: Washing Machine

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Figure 12: Dishwasher
Figure 13: Hand dishwashing

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Figure 14: Bathing
Figure 15: Clothes dryer