A study commissioned by the EPA found that the energy savings realized through location efficiency are greater than those achieved through home efficiency. “Location efficiency” includes walkable access to public transit and work, school, and retail centers. The study showed that a conventionally built home in a transit-oriented neighborhood saves considerably more energy than an Energy Star home in a conventional suburban development.
The study used national energy consumption data compiled by the federal Energy Information Administration and takes as its baseline a conventional home with conventional vehicles in a conventional suburban development. More information on the study can be found at www.epa.gov/smartgrowth