This study investigates the costs and benefits of investments in residential energy efficiency in New Jersey. It uses an engineering-economic modeling approach to assess the construction costs, operational savings, and net life-cycle costs of a variety of energy-efficiency options that may add value to a typical new home constructed in New Jersey. Each energy-efficient option is compared to a baseline, single-family detached home with a floor area of 2180 square feet that is typical of the New Jersey residential real estate market. The baseline building meets the updated New Jersey energy code based on IECC 2009 that enters effect in March 2011.

The assessed alternatives include improvements to passive features of the building envelope, active elements of the home’s mechanical systems, solar energy generation, and multi-technology bundles designed to earn an ENERGYSTAR rating or LEED certification. Low, medium, and high upgrade levels are modeled within each category of alternative improvements. All candidate improvements are commercially available in New Jersey.