In Season 2 of the Energy Smackdown, three urban communities (Arlington, Cambridge, and Medford) formed teams of 10 households each and competed over a 12-month 4-season cycle to reduce energy use and CO2 emissions.
Actions taken
77% reduced their hot water temperature, 46% installed low-flow aerators, 69% replaced incandescent bulbs with CFLs, 54% air sealed and/or insulated their home, 38% purchased green power, 27% line dried laundry, 38% replaced at least one major appliance with an Energy Star model.
CO2 Savings
- The households began Phase 2 with a baseline average for household CO2 emissions of 14,600 lbs per person per year—less than the U.S. average of 18,880 lbs and more than the EU average of 13,444 lbs.
- The ending average for all households was 12,000 lbs per person, slightly more than the “EU” target for 2020 of 10,755 lbs but well above the “stop-global-warming” target of 4,500 lbs. Assuming the CO2 savings carry forward for 5 to 10 years, the expected impact would be between 600 and 1,200 tons of CO2—6 tons annually for a household of four, 123 tons annually for all households.
- The 1st place household reduced it CO2 footprint from 8,678 lbs to 4,000 lbs, a 54% reduction. 2nd place reduced from 10,095 lbs to 5,358 lbs, a 47% reduction. 3rd place reduced from 11,797 lbs to 6,818 lbs, a 44% reduction.
- Heating fuel savings: Average heating fuel reduction for all households—verified by utility partner, NSTAR—was 17%. The top 3 households reduced 66%, 51%, and 44% over 12 months.
Electricity savings
Average electricity reduction for all households—verified by utility partner, NSTAR—was 14%. The top 3 households reduced electricity usage, 73%, 37%, and 28% over 12 months.
Challenge events
Five challenge events as well as Kickoff, Half-Time, and Finale celebrations were organized to encourage competition among the teams, collaboration within the teams, and opportunities for education and awareness in the broader community. Average participation in the celebration and challenge events was 64%.
- Light Bulb Challenge: The 3 teams competed to retire 888 incandescent bulbs over 4 hours, resulting in a savings of 450,000 kWh ($72,000) and 178 tons of CO2 over the life of the bulbs (7.5 years).
- Air Sealing Open Round: 45 people worked 190 hours (5 person weeks) to air-seal a low-income home, resulting in a 750 cfm reduction in draftiness as measured by professional blower door tests. By comparison, 2 professionals working 4 hours expect a 500 cfm reduction.
- Smart Transit Challenge: The 3 teams completed an “Amazing Race” style course covering 25 miles and 5 checkpoints in 4 hours with an average efficiency of 19 miles traveled per lb of CO2. By comparison, one person in an SUV travels 1 mile for every lb of CO2 generated.
- Locavore Banquet: The 3 teams prepared and served full-course meals prepared from locally-sourced ingredients, resulting in an average footprint of 0.25 lb of CO2 for every lb of food. By comparison, the footprint of imported beef is 40 lb CO2 per pound of meat.
Media and visibility
Local, regional, and national media participated in Phase 2 by publishing/broadcasting a total of 22 stories (12 newspaper, 7 Web, and 3 television) abut the Energy Smackdown. A 7-part video docuseries is in post-production and will be distributed via community access television as well as on the Web.
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