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Despite improvements, the residential sector is one of most energy-intensive sectors in the world and is the third largest consumer of energy across Canada, and in Alberta in particular. This study investigates opportunities to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the residential sector. A case study for Alberta is conducted. Energy modeling and scenario analyses are used to project future energy savings and greenhouse gas mitigation potential in the residential sector. Seventeen energy-saving options are identified in different residential subsectors, including space heating and cooling, water heating, appliances, and lighting. The long-term impacts (i.e., from 2013 to 2050) of these technologies in terms of energy savings and greenhouse gas mitigation potential are assessed using the Long-range Energy Alternative Planning model. For the evaluated options, more than 80% of GHG mitigation is achievable with negative GHG abatement cost. A GHG abatement cost curve is developed to assess the economic performance of various options. The results of the cost curve indicate that efficient lighting, efficient furnaces, and high efficiency appliances are the three areas in which the most GHG mitigation can be achieved at the lowest cost. The results provide invaluable insights to policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The environmental performance of production and distribution of densified form of lignocellulosic biomass (i.e., agri-residue based pellets) in Western Canada in terms of energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission was assessed. The results show that energy usage and resulted emissions are highest in field activities especially if emission and energy are attributed to straw in farming stage where nitrogen fertilizer is the highest contributor. Significant reduction of energy use (64%) and emission (65%) are possible if the organic fertilizer is used in farming. Adopting the zero tillage option instead of conventional practice results in energy saving (10%) and emission reduction (8%). From the scenario analyses it is also evident that using biomass as an energy source during drying or no drying in pellet production stage or using alternate mode (i.e., truck and train) of transport for pellet delivery result in less than 5% reduction of the energy use and emissions compared to the base case. Agri-pellet has the potential to offset substantial amount of GHG emission compared to other fuel sources including wood pellets. The energy and emission of production chain of agri-pellets may vary between countries but overall trend compared to other fuel sources would be similar. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]