some extracts from Electric Light & Power which you might find useful if you're thinking of optimizing your energy efficiency at home, office, factory, cardboard box you live in etc.
In September 2007, the Environmental Protection Agency reported that ENERGY STAR and other climate change programs prevented 70 million metric tons of carbon equivalent greenhouse gas emissions in 2006, up from 63 million in 2005. In addition, Americans saved more than $14 billion on their energy bills. With terms like climate change and carbon footprint‚ taking root in the vernacular, Americans are increasingly aware of their impact on the environment and are seeking‚ and are clearly selecting‚ choices that promise less harm to the environment.
In order to justify the expenses of energy savings programs, it is critical to show measurable results. For the programs highlighted here, aggregated savings are estimated at more than two million megawatt hours. While those in the industry have some grasp of the enormity of this number, the average consumer may not.
It is important to provide consumers with a clear idea of what one kilowatt hour can represent. In this case, imagine taking 472,286 cars off the road for one year. Keep in mind that this represents only four ENERGY STAR programs, and that consumers are also benefiting from lower monthly bills.
It has become abundantly clear in recent years that the climate change crisis is not a problem that can be fixed easily by one entity or another; rather, a concerted and committed effort is required among an array of organizations and individuals that each have the power to tread a little more softly on the planet.