Energy efficiency is a cost-effective and proven means of cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and can eliminate energy waste while simultaneously lowering electricity bills and helping families meet their budgets.
Decentralized energy systems reduce costs associated with costly energy investments while making renewable energy more cost-effective and provide a vital part of the solution to global climate change and other energy challenges.
Buildings
Energy efficient buildings utilize less energy while still providing their services, thus cutting energy costs, creating a greener economy, and increasing building values.
Many governments are mandating higher energy efficiency standards in new and existing buildings, depending on state regulations for energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Additional standards, such as Green Star or NABERS certification may also be enforced.
Insulation upgrades are the primary method for making buildings more energy efficient, as this helps keep interior temperatures comfortable throughout winter and summer without using as much energy. An easier solution would be switching out traditional light bulbs for LED bulbs which use significantly less energy; lighting could even be controlled remotely in less frequently used areas for additional cost savings.
Transportation
Transportation accounts for the largest share of energy use in our economy. A more energy-efficient transportation system reduces dependence on fossil fuels, cuts emissions related to climate change and can address economic and social inequities by providing cost-effective technologies and infrastructure in underserved areas.
Transport companies’ energy efficiency depends on several factors, including their fleet composition and vehicle utilisation (occupancy rates and load factors) characteristics as well as driving characteristics. Railroad transportation stands out as being particularly energy efficient while air and car travel are among the least efficient modes available to passengers.
Improving the energy efficiency of transportation systems requires changing behavior on multiple fronts. Individuals can reduce their personal transportation needs by walking more, biking more often and opting for fuel efficient vehicles; public or corporate policies which increase parking prices, invest in public transit infrastructure and promote carpooling as well as creating bike lanes can also contribute to greater energy efficiency in this arena.
Industry
Energy costs pose one of the greatest threats for manufacturers, so optimizing industrial processes to save energy costs and embrace renewable technologies are great ways to strengthen brand image.
EERE strives to advance energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industry through three technology offices and numerous programs and initiatives.
Energy efficiency refers to using less energy for providing the same service in industrial settings. This goal can be reached using technical, procedural, and managerial strategies; research by the International Energy Agency indicates that implementation of technology and ongoing monitoring of energy management practices are highly effective ways of increasing industrial energy efficiency – this serves as an essential step toward creating a low-carbon economy and also reduces carbon emissions and energy intensity which benefit society as a whole. Furthermore, using recycled materials during manufacturing processes may further decrease per unit energy consumption.
Energy efficiency in the United States
Energy efficiency helps mitigate climate change while improving people’s health, saving consumers money and creating jobs in the process. Energy efficiency has proven itself five times cheaper than new energy generation!
NRDC works to establish state and federal lighting efficiency standards, collaborate with cities to reduce waste in larger buildings, assist households save money with rebate programs and energy audits, promote electric/hybrid cars that use less gasoline, support policies that encourage walking and bicycling in neighborhoods as well as transition long distance freight transport from trucks to rail.
The United States leads the world in energy efficiency, but there remains significant potential to increase savings even more. Studies demonstrating this link indicate environmental concerns like reduced emissions are key facilitators.