Courtesy : www.energy.gov
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is the use of less energy to perform the same task or produce the same result. Energy-efficient homes and buildings use less energy to heat, cool, and run appliances and electronics, and energy-efficient manufacturing facilities use less energy to produce goods.
Energy efficiency is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to combat climate change, reduce energy costs for consumers, and improve the competitiveness of U.S. businesses. Energy efficiency is also a vital component in achieving net-zero emissions of carbon dioxide through decarbonization.
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) champions clean energy through its technical offices and programs that fund research and development and promote energy efficiency across all sectors of the U.S. economy. Learn how you, too, can become a Clean Energy Champion.
Energy Efficiency Benefits
Energy efficiency saves money, increases the resilience and reliability of the electric grid, and provides environmental, community, and health benefits.
COST SAVINGS
At home, you can save money on energy bills by making energy-efficient and weatherization upgrades—such as adding insulation, using LED lighting, and installing a heat pump—that reduce your energy use and can improve comfort.
Energy-efficient buildings cost less to heat, cool, and operate, while industry and manufacturing plants can make products at lower cost. Energy-efficient transportation results in fuel savings.
COMMUNITY BENEFITS
Energy-efficiency programs improve community resilience and address energy equity by bringing efficient, cost-effective technologies and infrastructure to underserved communities, including communities of color.
These communities are disproportionately affected by air pollution and have a higher energy burden, which is the percentage of gross household income spent on energy costs.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Reducing energy use is essential in the fight against climate change, because traditional power plants burn fossil fuels that release greenhouse gases and contribute to air pollution. Energy-efficient homes and buildings are also better equipped to switch to renewable energy, which does not produce harmful emissions.
RESILIENCE AND RELIABILITY
Energy-efficiency improvements reduce the amount of electricity on the grid at one time, known as load, minimizing congestion and stress on the U.S. electric grid. Less load prevents power disruptions.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Reducing fossil fuel use results in cleaner air, water, and land, all of which directly affect human health—especially those in marginalized communities and people with conditions that are exacerbated by pollution.
Energy Efficiency Across Sectors
EERE works to improve energy efficiency across buildings, industrial, and government sectors through four technology offices, as well as through programs, partnerships, and initiatives.