Energy efficiency refers to using less energy for similar or better results while still producing the same or greater outcomes, thus reducing both environmental impacts and financial costs.
Energy efficiency can provide relief to households that spend too much on electricity bills – those spending a larger proportion of their income on power – by making energy more cost-effective. But its benefits go well beyond this.
Reduced Carbon Emissions
Modern inefficient energy systems squander two-thirds of global energy production and cause serious environmental, climate and health impacts. Increased efficiency reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants; decreases water use; and supports renewable and low-carbon technologies in their transition.
Energy efficiency cuts carbon pollution across sectors by replacing polluting fossil fuels with less polluting alternatives, thus contributing to mitigating climate change without negatively affecting economic growth or consumer welfare.
Implementing energy efficiency measures is often less expensive than investing in new generation and transmission infrastructure, and can create job opportunities in construction, manufacturing and service delivery. Energy efficiency also provides utilities with an opportunity to diversify their resource portfolio against fluctuating fuel prices while helping them adapt more quickly when energy costs fluctuate.
Lower Energy Bills
Energy efficiency helps consumers reduce their energy costs by decreasing electricity demand. Furthermore, it increases disposable income by decreasing operation and maintenance costs of products, buildings and vehicles – especially beneficial to families that bear an outsized burden from energy costs as these eat away at more of their income.
Business owners are becoming aware of the financial advantages associated with energy efficiency, as it allows them to save money on their commercial energy bills and offset upfront costs – enabling them to invest more wisely elsewhere within their organization.
Local communities can reap the rewards of energy efficiency investments that create jobs through construction, manufacturing, wholesale distribution and distribution of equipment. As these jobs are difficult to outsource or automate, they provide steady employment to residents thereby decreasing crime rates and improving overall quality of life in communities. Furthermore, efficient public transit systems may increase access to employment for low-income residents who would otherwise not be able to work or attend college.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality has an immense effect on health, particularly for those already sick. Energy efficiency measures such as better insulation and windows can help decrease air drafts that contribute to asthma or other respiratory ailments.
Energy efficiency improves indoor air quality by reducing pollutant concentrations and creating a more comfortable home environment. A local weatherization program assisted Cathy Guilli and her family, who were experiencing discomfort due to backdrafting contaminants from their old furnace into the house; now, however, with their efficient new furnace providing heat without adding harmful contaminants into their living space.
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can cause breathing issues, allergies and asthma attacks, decreased productivity and damage to building structures. Energy efficient measures like source control and ventilation can be implemented to enhance IAQ without increasing emissions or energy use – for instance demand-controlled ventilation systems automatically adjust how much fresh air enters a building depending on occupancy or pollutant levels – this decreases energy use, air pollution emissions and greenhouse gas emissions by providing cleaner air for everyone inside a building.
Increased Home Value
Energy efficient features are one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to increase the market value of your home, selling for 3.5% to 9% more than comparable homes without energy efficiency upgrades.
New home buyers today are seeking more eco-friendly properties that reduce their carbon footprint and save energy bills, as well as having evidence that the homeowner has implemented sustainable upgrades.
Pearl Certification can help homeowners document the green improvements made to their home so they can reap the rewards of higher home values and reduced utility bills when it’s time to sell, passing along these savings to future homebuyers. With rising energy costs, energy efficiency has become a top selling point in housing markets; as we move toward net-zero energy goals this factor will only grow more important; homes that don’t meet consumers’ green expectations may eventually fall out of favour with potential buyers.