Energy Efficiency

The Effects of Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency has economic and environmental benefits.

Cost savings obtained through easily-implemented conservation and efficiency measures can be significant for companies, governments, organizations and individuals. Environmental benefits include a decrease in fossil fuel pollutants. For example, fossil fuel combustion produces emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and sulphur oxides (SOx). Energy conservation achieved through efficiencies and demand reduction can cut these emissions significantly.

As well as reducing pollutants, energy conservation and efficiency delay the need to develop additional energy resources and sites for facilties for the transportation and conversion of the energy.

What Can Be Done To Increase Energy Efficiency?

There are many things that organizations and individuals can do to use energy more efficiently. Some measures apply only to specific sectors; other measures can be taken by everyone. Collectively these actions make a significant difference. See Energy Tips

What Is Available To Encourage Energy Efficiency?

An energy audit service is available for business, industry and institutions which uses tow computer-equipped Energy Buses. Audits are conducted at buildings, plants and for vehicle fleet operations, upon request and at no charge. Audits indicate how energy is being used and where there are opportunities for increased energy efficiencies. Accumulated results of energy audits are often used by consultants and others doing energy studies and proposals

Publications are available on energy management and various technical topics. Presentations on the fundamentals of energy management are offered to interested groups.

How-to publications, with particular emphasis on incorporating energy efficiency into house construction and renovation, are distributed at no charge at builing supply stores and utility and government offices. Audio-visual materials and workshops on energy efficiency in the home are available.

Teaching kits on energy efficiency and related topics are provided to schools. There are separate kits for each of the elementary grades and some for junior and senior high school levels.

Driver Energy Conservation Awareness Training (DECAT) helps commercial drivers sharpen their skills in driving for fuel economy.

Online energy efficiency resources keep up with the latest news and innovations.

Futher Information

Air quality issues - greenhouse gases, acid deposition (acid rain) and smog - cannot be addressed in isolation. Their complex inter-relationships make achieving the goal of clean air for the future a challenge for individuals, industry and governments alike.