Our Cheapest, Cleanest Energy

“The cheapest and cleanest source of power is the energy we never have to use.” This from a recent report that argues that the U.S. can move towards a clean, low-carbon energy economy with energy savings as a core part of its strategy. Energy efficiencies and conservation can help us immediately cut greenhouse gases and immediately reduce toxic pollution.

In fact, energy efficiencies will also invigorate our faltering economy by creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and saving consumers potentially hundreds of dollars each year, and lay the foundation for long-term economic growth. And, this strategy will help us get to energy independence as well.

Buildings account for 70 percent of all electricity usage in the U.S. and 40 percent of the nation’s greenhouse gases. And while building standards, and new cleaner technologies for new buildings are fantastic, energy efficiencies need to concentrate now on existing, and older, very energy inefficient buildings—whether they be homes, businesses, or industrial structures.

Truly, it’s a winnable strategy, but one that needs to be spurred on by public policy and private investment. Governmental leadership and support for energy efficiencies is needed in areas of workforce development, regulations and incentives towards efficiencies, financing, performance standards, and mobilizing a national energy efficiency effort that builds upon and buttresses state, local and private sector efforts.

Strong public policy must work in tandem with private sector investments and developments, creating a climate and pipeline wherein it makes economic sense to turn to our cleanest energy options.

**image from Center for American Progress