Examining Energy Efficiency Goals for 2010 and Beyond

Aug 5, 2010 Duane Sharp


Wind Turbine - www.sxc.huReducing energy consumption by improving the efficiency of lighting, using greener building materials, and monitoring power consumption, will yield results.

Increasing the efficiency of energy-consuming devices is an effective way to create new jobs in the next few years, and saving money for consumers and businesses which cannot afford to invest in new renewable energy projects or devices.

The long-term benefits of improving energy efficiency in the many different energy-consuming devices used by society, will be a reduction in North America's dependence on foreign oil, and reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Energy Efficiency Investments Top Solar Power
In 2009, venture capital investment in energy efficiency hit a record high at $1 billion, according to a preliminary tally by the Cleantech Group and Deloitte. This investment represents an increase of 39 percent over 2008. However, solar power investments were down 64 percent in 2009, from a 2008 dollar value of $1.2 billion, partly because solar is viewed as being ‘over-funded.(San Jose Mercury News,"Energy efficiency to shine in 2010," Dana Hull, January, 2010)

Solar Energy Grant Government Solar Feed-in Grants. Earn from Solar PV. Get a Quote Now www.solarguide.co.ukGet Tax Free £ with Solar Earn Up To £2000 from Solar Grants Guaranteed for 25 Years, Contact Us www.SolarEurope.co.ukSolar and wind power will continue to attract attention, but 2010 will see a positive shift to energy conservation, according to green-tech experts, who claim that the mundane but critical process of reducing the levels of consumption of gas and electricity in homes and offices use, will be a key focus.(Hull)

To solve the problem of climate change, home energy carbon emissions need to be minimized, although it is impossible to reduce personal carbon emissions to zero. Going carbon neutral by purchasing carbon offsets provides a practical and affordable way to minimize the effect of individual carbon emissions.

Home Energy Carbon Footprint Twice Passenger Cars
By voluntarily calculating and assigning a cost to individual carbon emissions, those who participate in this program have an opportunity to prepare for the possibility that there will eventually be regulations and taxes on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. For both businesses and individuals, this is an important step towards managing carbon emissions efficiently and identifying potential for reductions and savings.

In addition, heating and cooling upgrades can reduce household energy consumption by 10 to 40 percent, Since home energy consumption accounts for 21 percent of the U.S. carbon footprint,(Pew Center on Global Climate Change), a reduction in thsi form of energy consumption could have a significant impact, especially when home energy use contributes about twice the carbon emissions of passenger cars.

Government Funding for a Portfolio of Technologies
The U.S. Energy Department is funding a "portfolio of technologies" that will compete for a share of a growing domestic and global markets in energy technologies and devices.(Hull)


© 2010 Duane Sharp