Energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective and sustainable means of lowering greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and costs at both household and economic levels. Energy efficiency means eliminating energy waste while optimizing performance so as to achieve results using less energy than required for equivalent results.
Insulation, smart thermostats and making sure vehicles idle less frequently or operate on electricity instead of gasoline are just some examples of energy saving measures that could make an impactful statement about our commitment to sustainability.
Buildings
Energy-efficient buildings employ cutting-edge technologies and construction practices to minimize their energy consumption, such as smart lighting, insulated windows and state-of-the-art heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Furthermore, energy-efficient buildings tend to feature less energy-consuming appliances and equipment, and frequently incorporate renewable sources – these measures can provide substantial long-term cost savings, reduce fossil fuel reliance while mitigating climate change by contributing towards environmental sustainability.
Building energy efficiency should be seen as a process, rather than an end point. Regular measurement, benchmarking, and identification of opportunities for improvement are vital to long-term building operations optimization. By taking advantage of a platform-led property O&M solution real estate leaders can achieve significant energy savings within weeks – this includes dynamic asset operational schedules and consistent set point optimization which can reduce peak energy usage by 20% while still maintaining occupancy comfort – ultimately lowering utility bills by up to 30% while simultaneously increasing sustainability.
Transportation
Transport systems consume large amounts of energy and emit emissions that damage human health and ecosystems. Transportation accounts for 17% of global greenhouse gas emissions as well as numerous air pollutants.
Energy efficiency of transport is generally defined as useful travelled distance divided by propulsion energy consumption; energy consumption is expressed in units such as litres per passenger-kilometre (pax.m/J) or megajoules per tonne-km. This indicator is commonly used to compare different modes of transport; an alternative approach would be primary energy intensity which includes both embedded energy (kWh/tonne-km) as well as consumed propulsion energy (pax m/J).
Cars tend to be among the least efficient vehicles on the road due to their high fuel consumption relative to weight. Electric car efficiencies have improved rapidly with newer models using only approximately 1.4 megajoules per km on flat roads. Other efficient forms of transport such as trains, buses and velomobiles (tricycles/quadracycles with fully enclosed fairings). Walking can also be an efficient form of transport when done at speeds up to 4 kilometers per hour!
Residential
Energy efficiency upgrades are an affordable and straightforward way for home and apartment owners to reduce utility bills, increase comfort levels, reduce energy usage and environmental impact and bolster resale value. From sealing air leaks and adding insulation, installing LED lights on smart power strips or aerating sinks/toilet tanks – even small changes like these can make an immediate impactful difference in cost, comfort levels and environmental impact.
Understanding how your home uses energy is key to making targeted efficiency improvements. On average, most homes spend approximately 30% of their energy costs heating and cooling; water heating, appliances and plug loads account for the remaining energy use.
Homes built before 1970 typically lack enough insulation and single-pane windows, providing homeowners with an opportunity for cost-effective improvements. ACEEE provides various resources – free home energy assessments and low cost technical assistance – that can assist homeowners with taking action.