Conservation

Most experts agree that the quickest and most cost-effective way to reduce energy bills is to conserve, and that applies to individuals, businesses and agriculture operations alike. Energy audits can evaluate where energy is being wasted and recommend how to fix problems. Each home, business or agricultural operation has unique problems and an audit can lead the way to making the most cost-effective fixes.

There are common sense things everyone can do. Acts as simple as replacing light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs can make a significant difference: they use about one-third the energy for the same amount of light and they last up to 10 times longer. Planting shade trees to block the summer sun, and leaving windows open at night and closed during the day is a simple but effective way to cut cooling costs during the hot months. Adding caulking, weather-stripping and insulation is frequently the most cost-effective way to keep warm air inside the home during cold weather. New ENERGY STAR rated appliances such as furnaces and air conditioners are far more efficient than older models and can lead to substantial energy savings.

In agriculture, about a third of all energy used goes to commercial fertilizer and pesticide production, so finding ways to use less of these inputs through composting, alternative soil amendments and other methods can make a significant difference. Similarly, smart irrigation practices can save water, energy and fertilizer.

Resources
Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
Energy efficiency tips
U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Western Governors Association Energy Efficiency Task Force