Repower America 100% renewable energy in 10 years
Energy Efficiency
+   +      =     +  
   Energy               Renewable              Smart National                   100% Clean                  Clean Plug-in
  Efficiency           Generation                       Grid                                Energy                                Cars

Contents - Energy Efficiency

Introduction
Energy Efficiency
Elements of a National Efficiency Upgrade
References

Introduction

Generation of electricity is the sector responsible for the most carbon dioxide emission. One very simple method is to use less electricity, thereby emitting tonnes less of carbon dioxide into the air.

Energy Efficiency

Burning of fossil fuels is the primary contributor to global warming, with most fossil fuels being burnt to generate electricity.  Structures need to be built or renovated to be more efficient. If this happens, less energy will have to be generated. This reduces carbon emissions from fuel-burning plants while incurring fewer costs for clean energy plants and consumers alike.

Efficiency of household and commercial building efficiency can increase by 30% with technologies that currently exist. Repoweramerica.org states that this will save the typical American homeowner $450 dollars a year on utility bills.¹ Devices can also be upgraded to use less power in stand-by mode and this would save consumers $3 billion per year.² A lot could be improved with the money that households and businesses will save from cheaper utility bills. Efficiency upgrades are actually not so expensive and many efficiency upgrades will pay for themselves in just a year or two. This will result in more comfortable and valuable homes and buildings lower utility bills, and job creation for upgrading buildings.

Government policies must be implemented for all this to occur. A lot of money might have to be spent up front, but it will eventually all pay for itself. Structures across the entire nation must be upgraded as quickly as possible so we can tackle the global warming crisis as soon as possible.

Elements of a National Efficiency Upgrade

Home and building upgrades: Neighbourhood by neighbourhood, town by town. All buildings eligible for an efficiency upgrade must be upgraded as soon as possible so that people can immediately save energy and lower utility bills. Incentives such as tax rebates must be offered to those who upgrade their homes or install renewable energy systems such as solar panels.

New building standards: National efficiency standards for new homes and commercial buildings must be implemented so less electricity will be used. This will in turn allow people keep warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer while paying less in utility bills.

Updated appliance and equipment standards: All appliances on the shelf must adhere to stricter power-saving standards.

Regulatory reforms: The amount of electricity a company can sell must be limited so utilities have an incentive to sell less electricity, rather than more.

Commercial and industrial programs: Incentive programs that encourage businesses of all sizes to become more efficient and productive. An example is tax reductions.

Retrofit and replacement programs: Incentives to scrap inefficient appliances should be emplaced; such as replacing old appliances with new ones while earning a little money for scrapping the old equipment.

Buyer-seller incentives: Policies should be introduced to ensure that homes are upgraded when they change hands, so they become more efficient through energy inspections, efficiency ratings, or other programs. A method to do this would be that estate agents will only sell homes that are energy efficient, forcing owners to upgrade their homes. If awareness is raised about energy efficient, new buyers will only want to buy energy efficient homes.

Universal installation of existing technologies: Greater access to tools and technologies, like smart meters and programmable thermostats, which allow for better control of energy use.

References

^1. Partnerships for Home Energy Efficiency
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/home_improvement/PHEE_Report_final.pdf.
^2. Department of Energy
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/classactivities/energyarticles.html#energyvampires
^3. World Resources Institute
http://www.wri.org/chart/us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-flow-chart
     US Department of Energy
http://buildingsdatabook.eren.doe.gov/?id=view_book&c=1

Repower America (2008) Energy Efficiency [Online] (Date of update unknown)
Available at: http://www.repoweramerica.org/elements/energy-efficiency/
[Accessed 18 December 2008]

Background Image:
James Balog, 2007, Mer De Glace Glacier[electronic image]
Available at: environment.nationalgeographic.com
Accessed 27 February 2009

Also See:

Alternative Energy |
Can the Sahara power
Europe |
People helping to
make a difference |
Greenhouse effect |

In the United States, buildings
are responsible for 72% of all
electricity use and approximately
30% of all greenhouse gas
emissions ³

Energy efficiency renovations
will create many vital jobs in
recession times.
Click to read more

Investing money in energy
efficiency will pay for itself
through lower utility bills.
Money could be spent on
healthcare and education
to improve living standards.