Energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective strategies to lower greenhouse gas emissions. It reduces fossil fuel extraction and processing needs, makes renewable energy more affordable by lowering demand, and assists in meeting net-zero emission goals.
Families that struggle with energy insecurity often must choose between paying their utilities bills or buying food for themselves and their children. By relieving this financial strain, our program eases this financial strain on families that require energy assistance.
Save Money
Cutting energy consumption reduces bills while helping the environment by decreasing fossil fuel demand.
Energy efficiency helps ease strain on power plants and infrastructure while simultaneously lowering consumer energy costs, which may help low-income households or communities with higher energy burdens (the percentage of their income spent on energy).
Implementing energy efficient practices not only saves you money on utility bills, but it’s also good for the bottom line of any organization. Employee buy-in is vital to making sure energy-saving measures are effectively utilized and implemented as intended.
Simple changes such as switching to LED light bulbs can save a family up to $65 annually in electricity costs. While investing in energy-efficient appliances typically has an initial price premium, their savings on utility bills more than make up for this initial expense in time. Energy efficiency doesn’t need to be expensive – its return can be substantial over time!
Save the Environment
Energy efficiency is one of the best ways to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Energy-efficient appliances, equipment and building designs eliminate wasteful electricity use that creates pollution; simply switching your old incandescent light bulbs out for new LED ones could significantly decrease annual carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.
Energy-efficient practices also decrease a country’s reliance on imported energy resources, helping lower energy prices and mitigate geopolitical risks. Energy efficiency practices may also stabilize utility system operation and increase grid resilience.
Energy efficient programs give companies a distinct competitive edge in the marketplace, as customers increasingly seek products and services from businesses that support sustainability efforts. Employees also tend to appreciate working for firms that embrace green business principles; with some creative thought it should be easy to identify strategies which offer positive returns while simultaneously protecting our environment.
Improve Your Health
Energy efficiency can help reduce your carbon footprint while simultaneously improving mental health and quality of life by decreasing environmental anxiety and stress levels.
Upgrades that increase energy efficiency can provide people living in fuel poverty with substantial financial relief by decreasing how much money is spent heating their home, relieving conditions such as draft proofing, poor insulation and unvented gas fires which contribute to high household bills and result in fuel poverty.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy can also help protect against climate change. By decreasing grid load and improving energy efficiency, the United States can transition toward cleaner sources of electricity such as solar power that don’t emit greenhouse gases – protecting both the environment and American health while continuing to enjoy economic and other advantages that depend on reliable energy systems like these.
Increase the Value of Your Home
Home buyers increasingly demand energy-efficient features in homes they buy, such as smart appliances and lighting, renewable energy systems, advanced insulation upgrades and other energy savings upgrades. These features will increase resale value while offering lasting financial, environmental and health benefits for you and future homeowners.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an average family spends roughly $2,200 each year on utility costs; energy efficiency upgrades could reduce those expenses by as much as 30%.
Installing energy efficient features, like LED lightbulbs certified as ENERGY STAR (r), solar panels and advanced power strips in your home, can lower electricity bills while helping prevent “vampire loads” that consume power even when devices aren’t being used.
Installing energy-efficient upgrades now can reduce your home’s dependency on imported energy resources and help it weather energy price fluctuations more easily. To get started, take a look at the ENERGY STAR Home Improvement Savings Tool which offers buying guidance and lists qualifying products.