Energy: Why It Matters and Goals and Strategies

Energy Conservation means promoting practices and policies that encourage or mandate behavior changes that conserve energy (i.e. turning out the lights, unplugging unused appliances, etc.). 

Energy Efficiency is about upgrading the existing infrastructure to be more efficient; for example: upgrading lighting (switching to LED bulbs), more efficient appliances and plug load technology, upgraded Heating Ventilation and Air Condition (HVAC) equipment, and more efficient boiler systems. All of these strategies reduce energy use without accruing the cost of a complete infrastructure remodel. 

On-Site Renewables: Install renewable energy generators onsite such as solar panels or wind turbines. This option requires the space for the installation along with the ability to pay upfront or lease equipment. 

Green Power Purchase: Purchasing electricity generated from a subset of renewable resources. Many communities have switched to local community choice aggregation (CCA), which typically means that 50% of already existing purchased electricity is already from renewable sources. Most CCA programs make it easy to “opt up” to purchase the remaining 50% from renewable sources as well. Typically the additional costs per kWh is around $0.01. 

Carbon Offsets use a variety of mechanisms ranging from renewable energy projects to forestry projects. Although easy, it is important to vet carefully, as the offset market have been plagued with problems historically from unregulated and unverified options. 

Carbon Allowances are pollution permits issued by the east coast RGGI market or California Air Resources Board market under AB32 cap-and-trade market. Each carbon allowance purchased in these markets reduce the allowances available to power plants resulting in more investment in cleaner forms of energy. The cost of one carbon allowance (one ton) fluctuated between $11 - $17 in 2016.