Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency means reducing demand, costs, and wasteful consumption of energy resources. It can be an inexpensive and quick way to meet climate and energy goals such as reduced greenhouse gases emissions or water consumption.

An example would be switching out traditional light bulbs for LEDs; this reduces electricity use (negawatts) while cutting air pollution levels. Similar measures can also be implemented within buildings or homes to cut costs while improving comfort while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Local government operations and facilities consume significant energy consumption, making efficiency measures an essential strategy for both lowering costs and showing environmental leadership. Such measures can often be implemented at low costs with payback periods typically under a year.

Energy efficiency also allows net-zero buildings to use renewable sources of energy for heating, cooling and hot water needs, cutting back on primary energy usage. Renewable systems can capture “waste” heat from power plants to be utilized as heating, cooling and/or hot water sources instead.