The Future is Bright for Energy Efficiency

ACEEE Executive Director Steven Nadel recently reflected on accomplishments in energy efficiency across the USA in the last year and encouraging growth and progress in 2014. Nadel points out several key accomplishments from 2013 including Mississippi and Louisiana beginning utility programs, passage of the most recent model energy codes in seven states, and pledges to put 3.3 million electric and fuel cell vehicles on the road by 2024 across eight states. Also of note in 2013: new federal equipment efficiency standards and Obama’s Climate Action Plan, which places emphasis on energy efficiency.

Nadel also notes that 2014 is looking bright for energy efficiency. The President’s Climate Action Plan will continue to push energy efficiency forward on a national level. Specifically, the plan calls for rolling out more equipment efficiency standards; providing assistance for businesses and homeowners seeking financing for energy efficiency projects; and expanding the Better Buildings Challenge, which encourages commercial and industrial facilities to increase their efficiency by 20% by 2020, to multifamily buildings as well.

Finally, Nadel notes that state and city government across the USA are also taking strides towards promoting energy efficiency in 2014. Many local governments are combining these initiatives with comprehensive sustainability and disaster resiliency planning. Overall, it looks like the progress made in 2013 will continue into 2014 and beyond.