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Next Steps Resources to Implement Your Community Energy Efficiency Program  These documents will help guide you and your project to success:
Get Started on Your Community Energy Efficiency Program Now that you've learned how much energy your community can save each year, you might be wondering how to get started on your community's energy efficiency programs. The first important thing to recognize is energy is not an end in itself but only a means of providing such desired services as warm houses, hot showers, and cold beer. These services are known as "end-uses". By thinking first about the end-uses we want energy to deliver, and then finding the best tools and the most appropriate form of energy for the task, we can use far less energy than currently required. Second, while improving how we use energy may seem like an "experts only" issue, to be handled by utility planners, the federal government, and various energy professionals, there are no experts when it comes to implementing sustainable energy practices. Citizens and businesses don't have to wait for anyone else to lead the way (See: Things You Can Do In Your Home). You can start right now in your community to put energy efficiency to work. Homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, shopping centers, schools, transportation systems, and public buildings are all full of energy-saving opportunities (See: Things You Can Do In Your Community). As you develop your community's energy plan, you can develop projects and programs that put these technologies and measures to work so your community can reap the benefits. Integrating Renewable Energy Your Community Energy Efficiency Program Another powerful way in which your community can positively change and/or reduce its environmental impact is by integrating the use of renewable resources in its energy program. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are non-polluting and are constantly replenished. Currently, the United States gets only six percent of its energy from renewables, although these sources could cost-effectively supply much more of our energy needs. Note: Nuclear energy, while often touted as a more environmentally friendly energy, is also a nonrenewable energy source that can, and has had, significant and irreversible negative environmental impacts. Renewable energy sources include: |
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