Investigating CO2 emission reductions in existing urban housing using a community domestic energy model

This paper presents the development of an energy and carbon model of existing dwellings and its application to urban housing. The model is used to predict the energy use and CO2 emissions of the housing stock of the city of Leicester, UK, and to estimate the effect of energy efficiency interventions. It is shown that a high level of energy efficiency interventions has the potential to reduce overall CO2 emissions by around 41%. The model methodology is discussed and potential improvements are explored.