A new report explores the important role of energy efficiency in policies attempting to address global climate change. According to Yu Wang, an assistant professor of political science who
studies global energy policy and energy efficiency at Iowa State
University, while energy efficiency steps such as replacing old
lightbulbs with new LED bulbs might seem an insignificant part in the
larger climate movement picture, it represents a simple and effective
step that shouldn’t be overlooked.
“Many people consider energy efficiency to be the low-hanging fruit,” said Yu Wang.
“If you’re facing the target of trying to mitigate climate change,
energy efficiency should be the first choice because it’s cheap and easy
in comparison with other options.” Most importantly in the eyes of Wang, energy efficiency programs and
policies create reductions in overall energy use without ever requiring
customers to modify their current level of service. Thus, according to
the study, Green Savings: How Policies and Markets Drive Energy Efficiency,
if governments were to implement a series of energy efficiency measures
for households and businesses, electricity savings could be found in
the range of 10% by 2035.
“Most of the current programs and policies for energy efficiency can
provide significant energy savings at a cost that is lower than the
retail rate that we pay for electricity,” Wang said. “That means if you
invest in energy efficiency, you will be able to get your money back and
at the same time save energy.”
There are already several programs that exist, such as the Home
Energy Squad, which conducts a comprehensive audit of homes to provide
energy efficiency recommendations. “Energy efficiency programs don’t only look at your old appliances
such as an old refrigerator or microwave. They also look at the cooling
and heating equipment or old windows that need to be replaced,” Wang
said. “Sometimes they will also help you to install all the possible
measures and offer financial supports.”
http://cleantechnica.com/2015/12/03/climate-change-policy-start-energy-efficiency/
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