Energy

What It Is Renewable energy is energy that is naturally replenished from the Earth and comes from natural sources.  Some major sources of renewable energy include solar, wind, biomass (biological material for biofuels), and geothermal heat.    Why It Matters High energy prices, shrinking oil reserves, degradation from gathering resources, …

What It Is Tracking energy use involves monitoring, recording, reviewing, and analyzing energy bills and data on a regular basis so that you can identify how energy is used, and reduce costs and consumption.   Why It Matters             Tracking energy usage is an important first step to understanding how your …

What It Is A carbon footprint measures the impact of various daily activities on the environment. The calculation measures the amount of greenhouse gases produced day to day from the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heating, and transportation.  A normal carbon footprint can be divided into two portions, the …

What It Is HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) efficiency reduces the amount of energy you need to control temperature and air flow in a space.  Methods for improving HVAC efficiency include Using or reducing natural light Repairing air leaks Installing a programmable thermostat Replacing old HVAC equipment Why It …

What It Is Energy conservation and efficiency relate to achieving the same outcomes using less energy. Why It Matters Being a lean organization energy-wise equates to being more competitive. When less of your operating budget goes to energy, more can be invested in value-added activities or new jobs. Getting Started …

What It Is Renewable energy certificates or credits (RECs) are a way to purchase property rights to environmental, social, and other non-power qualities of renewable electricity generation, which can be sold separately from the actual physical electricity generated by the source. This is distinct from renewable energy tax credits, which may be …

What It Is Energy-efficient lighting illuminates a room while using less energy than ordinary incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. Examples include natural lighting, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and motion sensors. Why It Matters Businesses often use regular light bulbs, which waste energy and money. “Traditional incandescent bulbs use …

What It Is Energy-efficient business equipment serves a business’s needs while consuming less energy than standard equipment.  Common examples of energy-efficient business equipment include Computers with sleep mode or power-down mode Copiers with sleep mode and double-sided copying Printers with sleep mode and double-sided printing However, energy-efficient equipment is not …

What It Is An energy audit is an analysis of energy use in a building, to identify ways to reduce energy costs and consumption without harming building performance. Why It Matters According to the Pew Center, commercial buildings consume 18% of the United States’ total energy use. Energy audits in …