Energy efficiency involves using less energy for similar work. This saves both money and reduces air pollution.
Efficiency improvements are integral to creating a cleaner energy future. Following a path toward net zero, efficiency gains could account for up to two-thirds of oil demand reduction through insulation and heating upgrades, more energy-efficient appliances, and transport electrification.
Save Money
Energy efficiency is one of the fastest and simplest ways to reduce our demand for fossil fuels both individually and nationally. Furthermore, energy efficiency helps increase security by relieving pressure off our electricity system while saving on costly plant upgrades.
NRDC works to reduce energy waste in homes, businesses, and institutions by advocating for state and national efficiency standards for appliances and buildings; working with cities and utilities to promote efficient building design and policies; supporting job creation through energy-efficient technologies deployment; as well as advocating for state energy-saving programs – although some energy efficient products may cost more upfront, their savings quickly outweigh this initial expense and make for great investments!
Insulating an older home with upgraded insulation can save more than $900 annually in energy costs while simultaneously increasing its value and sellingability on the real estate market. Small businesses can boost profits through efficient lighting, appliances and HVAC equipment – as well as taking advantage of rebates or other incentives available to them.
Save the Environment
Utilizing less energy means reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, air and water pollution, and our ecological footprint – an effective strategy for mitigating climate change and conserving natural resources.
Making seemingly minor changes, like switching out incandescent light bulbs for LEDs or installing a ceiling fan to stay cool in summer, can have dramatic results. By decreasing energy consumption we require less fossil fuels be burned in order to generate electricity which in turn decreases GHG emissions and other forms of pollution.
Energy efficiency offers utilities and other energy suppliers significant cost savings, usually three or four times less expensive than fossil fuels and often even renewables. This allows utilities to lower consumer prices more quickly – this can especially benefit low-income urban and rural households as well as communities trying to reach local economic goals like financing public transit systems.
Reduce Health Inequities
Studies have demonstrated the beneficial impacts of energy efficiency programs on respiratory illnesses, hospitalizations and mortality rates. This is likely attributable to lower temperatures created by weatherization measures as part of energy efficiency programs that decrease indoor air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy efficiency programs can help address social inequities that contribute to poor health outcomes. By decreasing household energy costs, these programs can ease burdens for low-income families who spend a larger proportion of their income on fuel bills – freeing up more cash for nutritious food that leads to healthier diets and less stress.
Energy efficiency programs also increase access to cleaner and renewable energies that produce far less pollution and greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels, creating a truly healthy and sustainable living environment. When combined with these cleaner sources, combined efficiency further decreases consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for an enhanced living experience.
Create Jobs
Energy efficiency measures often involve significant labor expenditure. A USD million invested in energy efficiency could create six to 15 new jobs, providing both economic and household benefits. Furthermore, these jobs play a vital role in creating employment-environment links, relieving pressure from other sectors that rely heavily on polluting energies for production purposes.
Energy efficiency progress is vital to meeting emission reduction goals on a journey to net zero emissions by 2050, and efforts to accelerate energy intensity improvements in buildings and cars – by way of electrification, technical upgrades and behavioral shifts – are imperative if these goals are to be reached.
Energy efficiency investments help create local jobs while being less susceptible to global supply chain disruptions than other forms of clean energy. Installation of public transport systems and production of efficient appliances provide direct jobs within their country of manufacture – keeping these jobs close by.