Commercial Building Owners and Managers

Residential and commercial buildings use about 40 percent of US energy and contribute about 38 percent of carbon dioxide emissions. Thankfully, many simple and cost-effective steps can be taken by residents and building owners to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and reduce energy costs at the same time. Some simple measures are installing high-performance windows, improving insulation, and purchasing energy efficient heating and cooling equipment, appliances, and lighting.

Many utilities may be a willing and helpful partner when one decides to make a building more energy efficient. Utilities may refer energy efficiency consultants to inspect homes and make recommendations, provide incentives and rebates for energy efficient product purchases, and provide financing options for certain energy efficient home improvements.

Lending companies may also get involved by offering energy efficiency mortgages for purchases of newly constructed, energy efficient homes and energy efficient home improvements. Even state and local governments are offering a helping hand by offering tax incentives for energy efficient purchases and implementing more energy efficient building codes and energy guidelines.

In the end, homeowners and commercial building owners taking advantage of energy efficiency options could potentially reduce their building’s energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by one-third to one-half or more!

Energy Star provides information about heating and cooling, appliances, and lighting, suggested home improvements, and business improvements

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) presents a number of electric appliance efficiency tips, and lists many utility programs and incentives

The United States Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has a site with many resources for builders and buildings codes officials.