THE MORE EFFICIENCY THE BETTER

ACEEE Report: U.S. Better Off "Thinking Big" About Energy Efficiency instead of Focusing First on Development of New Energy Sources; How Lack of Emphasis on Major Energy Efficiency Investments Leaves "3 Jokers in the U.S. Economic Deck"; Slashing Energy Use 60% Could Generate 2 Million Jobs & Save the Equivalent of $2600 Per Household Annually.
January 12, 2012 (American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy)

"America is thinking too small when it comes to energy efficiency, while also making the mistake of ‘crowding out’ economically beneficial investments in energy efficiency by focusing on riskier and more expensive bids to develop new energy sources, according to a major new report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

"...The Long-Term Energy Efficiency Potential: What the Evidence Suggests…outlines three scenarios under which the U.S. could either continue on its current path or cut energy consumption by the year 2050 almost 60 percent, add nearly two million net jobs in 2050, and save energy consumers as much as $400 billion per year (the equivalent of $2600 per household annually)."

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"…[T] he secret to major economic gains…is a more productive investment pattern of increased investments in energy efficiency, which would allow lower investments in power plants and other supply infrastructure, thereby substantially lowering overall energy expenditures on an economy-wide basis in the residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, and electric power sectors…

"Examples of potential large-scale energy efficiency savings identified by ACEEE include…[1] Our current system of generating and delivering electricity…is an anemic 31 percent energy efficient…[2] The fuel economy of conventional petroleum-fueled vehicles continues to grow while hybrid, electric, and fuel cell vehicles…[are] nearly three-quarters of all new light-duty vehicles in 2050…Aviation, rail, and shipping energy use declines…In residential and commercial buildings…building shell [and other improvements could cut space heating and cooling needs] up to 60 percent in existing buildings, and 70-90 percent in new buildings…In the industrial sector, energy efficiency opportunities reduce 2050 energy use by up to half…"