Energy efficiency reduces emissions from fossil fuel use, encourages renewable energy deployment by lowering demand and making renewables more cost-effective, helps avoid power interruptions, improves people’s lives by cutting utility bills and decreasing financial insecurity, and contributes to economic stability.
Energy efficiency can benefit both your wallet and the wider economy; additionally, it helps protect our environment while furthering climate action goals. Here are some energy-saving tips from below.
Buildings
Energy efficiency measures reduce the energy required to keep buildings warm in winter, cool in summer and at comfortable humidity levels. They also decrease fossil fuel reliance, cut emissions of greenhouse gases and improve health and productivity among building occupants.
By analyzing a building’s energy consumption data against industry standards, it’s easy to spot opportunities for improvement. This includes tracking consumption over time to monitor trends as well as investigating causes for unexpectedly high or low usage (such as weather or equipment issues).
Energy efficiency in buildings can be achieved using various technologies and measures. One strategy to consider when seeking to achieve energy efficiency in your building is installing office equipment labelled ENERGY STAR-labeled, reducing HVAC usage to save on energy usage costs, closing unoccupied floors early or simply installing more energy-efficient lighting bulbs and lightbulbs – solutions which may reduce operating costs, save money, and increase building value.
Transportation
Energy efficiency in transportation involves improving fuel efficiency of vehicles, rail systems and air travel; encouraging people to utilize less energy-intensive modes such as walking or bicycling by offering safe options such as public transit and carpooling; as well as encouraging people to opt for less polluting forms of travel such as walking and biking.
Transport systems’ energy efficiencies are measured as the ratio between useful kilometres traveled (or distance moved) and energy put into propulsion system, typically measured either as liquid fuel volumes such as litres or gallons or electrical energy in terms of kWh or Calories.
Energy efficiency in transport means less dependence on oil and other fossil fuels, offering environmental and financial advantages as well as enhanced resilience against supply disruptions by decreasing dependence on foreign sources.
Residential
Residential energy efficiency improvements help households reduce utility bills, save money, and increase comfort. They also reduce greenhouse gas emissions that help protect the environment.
Start off right with an energy assessment or audit, which can give your home the boost it needs for increased efficiency. The results will reveal where it works best while suggesting ways to make improvements. Visit Residential Energy Services Network for assessors in your area.
Energy prices can be an enormous burden on many households, particularly those on limited incomes or living in social housing. High energy costs have the ability to increase cost of living pressures significantly and be an overwhelming barrier.
Energy-efficient homes consume less energy, using more efficient heating and cooling equipment, to lower ongoing electricity costs. This insulating effect is especially valuable in regions with higher energy costs, protecting families against future price increases while saving on taxes through tax credits or New York State programs such as IRA tax credits.
Commercial
Commercial buildings account for more than half of America’s energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and upgrading energy efficiency measures saves money while simultaneously increasing occupancy rates and improving indoor environmental quality. NYSERDA offers several programs for building owners to make these investments.
The ENERGY STAR program helps commercial buildings reduce energy waste and meet sustainability goals more easily. Businesses can find cost-effective solutions that improve their bottom line, reduce energy use and gain recognition – with this certification.
Lighting accounts for 17% of commercial energy consumption, so upgrading existing fixtures to LED will immediately reduce electricity bills. Furthermore, businesses can take advantage of financing programs like Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) in many states including Pennsylvania that offer low-cost loans and financing to help make major energy efficiency improvements affordable.