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Economic Benefits of Energy Conservation

Energy Facts

If you live in a typical U.S. home, your appliances and home electronics are responsible for about 20% of your energy bills.

Reference: US Department of Energy

Heating and cooling account for about 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most homes.

Reference: US Department of Energy

Water heating can account for 14%-25% of the energy consumed in your home.

Reference: US Department of Energy

You can reduce your home's heating and cooling costs by as much as 30 percent through proper insulation and air sealing techniques.

Reference: US Department of Energy

Amount of money that would be saved if the energy efficiency of commercial and industrial buildings improved by 10 percent: $20 billion.

Reference: Energy Star

Amount of greenhouse gas emissions that would be reduced if the energy efficiency of commercial and industrial buildings improved by 10 percent: equal to about 30 million vehicles.

Reference: Energy Star

Amount of global carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere in 2005: 6,000 million metric tons.

  • U.S. contribution of global greenhouse gas emissions: about 20 percent.
  • U.S. population relative to the world: 5 percent.

Reference: Energy Star

  • Reduced dependence on non-renewable sources of energy: Based on current known reserves and consumption of these fuels, the following amount of each fossil fuel remains available as of 2003:

    • Oil: Approximately 1,000 billion barrels, enough to last 38 years
    • Natural Gas: Approximately 5,400 trillion cubic feet, enough to last 59 years
    • Coal: Approximately 1,000 billion metric tons, enough to last 245 years 2
  • Conservation protects national energy security by reducing our dependence on foreign sources of oil. ¹
  • Protects the economy and consumers from possible price fluctuations and from energy service disruptions due to natural disasters or other causes. ¹
  • The increasing demand for electricity and natural gas requires your utility to find new supplies of energy. Most new supply options require a great deal of money up front, which increases you utility bills. ¹
  • Studies show that utility or state investment in energy efficiency helps the local economy. Instead of importing natural gas and electricity supply from outside of your community, energy efficiency relies on domestic and local companies and retailers to provide energy management services and energy-saving products. ¹
  • Energy efficiency programs provide customers with home improvements that enhance home comfort and increase property values for homeowners and businesses. ¹

References

1 US Environmental Protection Agency
2 Massachusetts Technology Collaborative-Renewable Energy Trust

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