From an Energy Standpoint, Colder Cities Less Sustainable, Study Says

Climate control in Minneapolis (pictured) is about three-and-a-half times more energy demanding than in Miami, says new research.
Photo: Steve Kelly

When it comes to energy, cold cities are less sustainable than cites in warmer regions, reports Michael Sivak, a University of Michigan Transportation Institute research professor. Sivak's research, "Air conditioning versus heating: climate control is more energy demanding in Minneapolis than in Miami", calculated the climate control in the coldest large metropolitan area in the United States (Minneapolis) is about three-and-a-half times more energy demanding than in the warmest large metropolitan area (Miami). Sivak's calculations are based on heating (furnaces) or cooling (air conditioning), heating and cooling efficiency of appliances, and efficiency of power plants. Sivak says a typical air conditioner is about four times more energy efficient than a typical furnace.