Efficient energy use

Efficient energy use, also known as energy efficiency, is the goal to reduce the amount of energy required to provide products and services. For example, insulating a home allows a building to use less heating and cooling energy to achieve and maintain a comfortable temperature. Installing LED lighting, fluorescent lighting, or natural skylight windows reduces the amount of energy required to attain the same level of illumination compared to using traditional incandescent light bulbs. Improvements in energy efficiency are generally achieved by adopting a more efficient technology or production process.

Overview

There are many motivations to improve energy efficiency. Reducing energy use reduces energy costs and may result in a financial cost saving to consumers if the energy savings offset any additional costs of implementing an energy-efficient technology. Reducing energy use is also seen as a solution to the problem of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to the International Energy Agency, improved energy efficiency in buildings, industrial processes and transportation could reduce the world's energy needs in 2050 by one third, and help control global emissions of greenhouse gases.

Energy efficient buildings

Energy efficient buildings (new constructions or renovated existing buildings) can be characterized by an appropriate insulation and ventilation, orientation towards the sun, and incorporation of energy-efficient appliances. Green buildings, also known as sustainable buildings, are often designed to minimize the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment.

Energy efficient appliances

The choice of which space heating or cooling technology to use in buildings can have a significant impact on energy use and efficiency. For example, replacing an older 50% efficient natural gas furnace with a new 95% efficient one will dramatically reduce energy use, carbon emissions, and winter natural gas bills. Ground source heat pumps can be even more energy efficient and cost effective.

Energy efficient vehicles

An energy efficient vehicle is a vehicle that uses less energy than a traditional passenger vehicle. Energy efficient vehicles include electric cars, hybrid cars, and cars that run on alternative fuels.

See also

• Energy conservation
• Sustainable energy
• Green building
• Energy policy

References

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