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Conservation and Efficiency
Websites presented in alphabetical order Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) This organization assembles "leaders in the public and private sectors in a unified effort to promote a national commitment" to an efficient, secure energy future. Find here content about energy conservation education, advocacy, and policy formulation, including elementary, middle, and high school lesson plans; sustainable school design; home and business energy check-up tools; and legislative analysis and updates. Many links to other relevant sites are gathered and described. Searchable. http://www.ase.org/ Topics: Energy, K-12 Education, Lesson Plans Last updated Jan 16, 2002 American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) This site advocates energy efficiency, economic prosperity, and environmental preservation. Staff and experts from universities, laboratories, and the private sector collaborate to analyze technology, legislation, and policy; to publish; and to educate. The site contains extensive links to other sites concerned with energy efficient utilities, vehicles, business practices, and building technologies. http://www.aceee.org/ Topics: Energy Last updated Jan 16, 2002 The Atoms Family "This resource contains educational activities about energy concepts, the power of the sun, energy conservation, energy transformation, electricity and fossil fuels being presented by famous gothic horror characters." The activities are variously designed for students from grades K to 12. http://www.miamisci.org/af/sln/ Topics: Energy, Physics, Science, Science, Technology Last updated Jun 23, 2009 Building Materials and Wood Technology A site that covers construction and related materials. Questions about building materials, forest products, wood, economics, and residential construction as well as those about business and marketing in the building materials industry can be answered for free at Ask the Experts . Feature Articles include: selecting windows, decoding building codes, controlling termites and carpenter ants, sizing and calculating loads for headers and beams, watertight details, using span table for joists, and many related topics. Additionally, there is collection of links, some annotated, on the building field including associations, building materials, construction, energy efficiency, research and building codes, publications, and more. http://bct.nrc.umass.edu/ Topics: Architecture, Energy, Housing, Industries, Insects & Arachnids Last updated Sep 4, 2009 Climate Change: The Threat to Life and a New Energy Future This companion website to a 2008-09 exhibit about climate change features illustrated sections covering the greenhouse effect, the carbon cycle, coal, oil and gas, ice cores, sea level rise, ocean chemistry, ecosystems, strategies for coping with climate change, and more. The "Making a Difference" section has suggestions for lowering emissions and saving energy. Also includes fast facts, sections for educators and children, and a blog. From the American Museum of Natural History. http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/climatechange/ Topics: Energy, Environment Last updated Apr 7, 2009 Color Matters "It's all about the world of color" and its physiological and psychological effects. "This site explores how color affects appetite, vision, sexuality, energy conservation, and its relationship to architecture and interior design." A passion for color and its unique characteristics led the site's author to search for answers to some puzzling questions: Does pink make strong men weak? Can colors create accidents? What colors are predominant in different cultures? Do marketers use color to influence our decisions? Browse Resources and Interact for additional questions and issues on how color really matters. Searchable. http://www.colormatters.com/entercolormatters.html Topics: Energy, Mysteries and More Last updated May 15, 2001 Consumer Energy Center: Consumer Tips to $ave Energy and Money "Find both energy conservation and efficiency tips for your home, office, school, car or truck, and other areas. You'll learn how to get your home ready for summer or winter. You'll learn how to be prepared in case the power goes out. And you'll learn some interesting facts about energy." Winter tips include those for the kitchen (oven and stove usage) and holiday lighting. Some material available in Spanish. From the California Energy Commission. http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/tips/ Topics: Energy Last updated Dec 6, 2007 Consumer Energy Center: Fireplaces and Wood Burning Stoves This fact sheet provides ideas for improving the energy efficiency of fireplaces, which are "relatively inefficient devices for heating the home." Some of the suggestions include keeping the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use, using glass or metal doors or heat shields, installing a fireplace insert, and installing a wood stove in front of the fireplace. From the California Energy Commission. http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/heating_cooling/fireplaces.html Topics: Energy, Home & Housing Last updated Sep 19, 2007 A Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy "Explore your options for saving energy and using renewable energy at home, at work, in your community, and while driving." Topics include appliances and electronics, remodeling, electricity (and solar and wind turbine systems), heating, lighting, alternative fuel and hybrid electric vehicles, and more. Includes resources for finding products and background about renewable energy sources such as biomass and ocean. From the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/ Topics: Energy Last updated Nov 25, 2008 CoolCalifornia.org "The portal provides a carbon footprint calculator [and] solutions for improving energy efficiency." The carbon calculator (an "evolving tool") takes into account transportation, housing, food, and goods and services, and compares with California, national, and world averages. Find links to relevant resources (general and California-specific) about saving energy and water, changing consumption habits, global warming, and related topics. In English and Spanish. A partnership of government and education organizations. http://www.coolcalifornia.org/ Topics: Energy, Environment Last updated Mar 19, 2008 DSIRE: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency "DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency." Includes summary maps (showing contractor license requirements, income tax incentives, property tax exemptions, rebate programs, and other topics), summary tables, reports and presentations, a glossary, and link to related sites. A project of the North Carolina Solar Center, North Carolina State University, and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). http://dsireusa.org/ Topics: Energy Last updated Sep 8, 2008 Energy Conservation for Apartment Dwellers "As a tenant you may not have as much control over your energy use as a homeowner, but there are simple steps that you can take to save energy and reduce your electric bills." Energy conservation tips include tuning up your refrigerator, limiting cooking costs, changing lighting, buttoning up for winter, and limiting cooling costs in summer. From the New York State Public Utilities Commission. http://www.dps.state.ny.us/aptdwell.html Topics: Energy, Housing Last updated Nov 27, 2007 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy "A gateway to hundreds of Web sites and thousands of online documents on energy efficiency and renewable energy," including information about buildings, transportation, industry, bioenergy, hydrogen, solar, wind, ocean, hydropower, and geothermal power. Features consumer information, an "energy lab" for children, and information about the various other programs of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Searchable. http://www.eere.energy.gov/ Topics: Astronomy, Electrical Energy, Energy, Technology Last updated Mar 26, 2005 Energy Hog Aimed at children, this site about saving energy features games and and interactive house to teach about energy efficiency. Includes sections for teachers and other adults. From the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). http://www.energyhog.org/ Topics: Energy, Environment, Home & Housing Last updated Dec 19, 2008 Energy Quest This interactive site is intended to teach an "'energy ethic' to conserve finite resources." Educational resources feature science projects, energy-saving tips for children, a "How Things Work" section, brief biographies of energy pioneers, games, related links, and more. Includes resources for teachers and parents. Searchable. From the California Energy Commission. http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/ Topics: California: Education, Energy, Internet Guides & Search Tools, Science, Technology Last updated Apr 24, 2005 Energy Savers: Insulation Collection of tools and fact sheets covers various aspects of home insulation. Features an overview of insulation, a ZIP code tool for determining insulation needs for specific geographic areas, a reading list, and fact sheets on insulation of foundations, attics, basements, and walls. From the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11320 Topics: Energy, Home & Housing Last updated Nov 11, 2009 Energy Savers: Lighting This site describes types of artificial lighting and lighting controls so that consumers can "reduce lighting energy use by selecting lighting and sources that use energy more efficiently." Topics include lighting principles and terms (such as lumen and footcandle), indoor and outdoor lighting design methods, types of bulbs, lighting controls, lamp and ballast replacement, and lighting maintenance. From the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/lighting_daylighting/index.cfm/mytopic=11980 Topics: Energy, Home & Housing Last updated Sep 30, 2009 Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy & Money at Home This site "provides homeowners with tips for saving energy and money at home and on the road." Features information about conducting a home energy audit, a major appliances shopping guide, and tips on insulation, heating and cooling, windows, and water heating. From the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/ Topics: Energy, Home & Housing Last updated Jul 3, 2006 Energy Star Energy Star is "a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency." The site provides information on building remodeling and repairing, a list of products that meet "energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy," and more. Searchable. http://www.energystar.gov/ Topics: Architecture, Energy, Home & Housing Last updated Aug 25, 2004 Energy Star Qualified New Homes This site explains the Energy Star qualified program for new homes, which are "at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes." Discusses features such as insulation, windows, and heating and cooling. Includes a look-up for locating builders of Energy Star qualified homes by state. From Energy Star. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_homes.hm_index Topics: Architecture, Energy Last updated Jul 30, 2008 Energy [R]evolution "The energy [r]evolution is an independently produced report that provides a practical blueprint for how to half global CO2 emissions, while allowing for an increase in energy consumption by 2050. ... [I]t explains how existing energy technologies can be applied in more efficient ways." Site includes the report, examples of projects, policy recommendations, and related material. From Greenpeace International and the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC). http://www.energyblueprint.info/ Topics: Energy Last updated Nov 17, 2008 EnergyIdeas Clearinghouse (EIC) "An objective, comprehensive, technical resource" for Web resources related to energy efficiency in the Northwest; some are highly technical, others are more general. Browsable by energy topic (such as appliances, power production, and weather data), business type, and content type (case study, Q & A, and newsgroup). Also lists jobs, events, and regional news. From the Washington State University Cooperative Extension Energy Program. http://www.energyideas.org/ Topics: Business, Energy, Technology Last updated Jun 3, 2006 Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency This site outlines the federal income tax credits available for home improvements (such as insulation and replacement windows, efficient cars, solar energy systems, and fuel cells). Updated with details about credits available for 2009 tax years and beyond. Includes links to relevant tax forms and notices. From the Energy Star program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index Topics: Energy, Tax Filing Season Last updated Oct 8, 2009 Federal Trade Commission: Energy and Environment This page compiles Federal Trade Commission (FTC) information regarding energy and environment topics such as labeling and advertising of fuel and automotive products, marketing claims concerning carbon offsets and renewable energy certificates, and EnergyGuide labels for home appliances, plumbing, and lighting products. Find consumer and business education materials, rulings and statutes, press releases and announcements, and other government documents. From the FTC. http://www.ftc.gov/energy/ Topics: Energy, Environment Last updated Jan 14, 2008 FEMP [Federal Energy Management Program] Designated Product: Gas Water Heaters Consumer information about gas water heaters, covering efficiency recommendations, cost effectiveness, technology options (such as demand-type and solar assisted water heaters), and other tips for buying and using water heaters. Includes a cost calculator. From the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/technologies/eep_gas_waterheaters.html Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Energy, Home & Housing Last updated Jul 20, 2009 Glass Industry of the Future "The Industrial Technologies Program [of the U.S. Department of Energy] implements the Glass Industry of the Future (IOF) effort to promote technology development of more energy-efficient, environmentally sound, glass processing technology." This website features an industry profile, reports, best practices for cost reduction, and other technical publications and resources from the program on energy analysis in the glass industry. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/industry/glass/ Topics: Energy, Technology Last updated Jun 12, 2007 Google PowerMeter Background about this tool that "shows consumers their electricity consumption in a secure Google gadget." As of summer 2009, Google is "testing the product with utility partners in the US, India and Canada" and has plans for expansion. Find videos, links to articles and reports, policy statements and testimony, a FAQ, listing of partners, and energy saving tips. From Google. http://www.google.org/powermeter/ Topics: Energy Last updated Jun 15, 2009 The Green Grid: Library & Tools Collection of publications from the Green Grid, "a global consortium dedicated to advancing energy efficiency in data centers and business computing ecosystems." Some of the topics include cooling efficiency and the power usage effectiveness (PUE) metric, the data center infrastructure efficiency (DCiE) metric, and reduction of server power consumption. Most papers available to the public; others accessible only to members. http://www.thegreengrid.org/en/library-and-tools.aspx Topics: Computers, Energy Last updated Sep 14, 2009 greenhomebuilding.com Information about environmentally friendly, sustainable architecture and natural building, using renewable energy, local and recycled materials, and incorporating principles of conservation. Includes resource links and book and video recommendations. http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/ Topics: Architecture, Energy, Home & Housing, Housing, Science, Technology Last updated Mar 26, 2005 Gulf Coast CHP Application Center Background and research materials about combined heat and power (CHP), which "refers to a set of technologies that produce both electricity and steam from a single fuel at a facility located near the consumption point." Includes an illustrated introduction to CHP, policy papers, case studies, and many other documents. From a Houston Advanced Research Center program (funded by the U.S. Department of Energy) that promotes the use of CHP in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. http://www.gulfcoastchp.org Topics: Electrical Energy, Energy Last updated Nov 20, 2006 Handyman USA This searchable site is full of "information plans and advice" for a wide range of home improvement projects and repairs including building a deck, electrical, installing doors, plumbing, painting, basketball court dimensions, keeping a basement dry, and much more. There are FAQs, expert forums, an e-mail newsletter, and tips for energy conservation and appliance maintenance. Contributions are welcome. http://www.handymanusa.com/ Topics: Architecture, Electrical Energy, Energy, Home & Housing Last updated Aug 25, 2004 Heat Island Effect This site addresses the concept of heat island effect, which "describes urban and suburban temperatures that are 2 to 10°F (1 to 6°C) hotter than nearby rural areas." Discusses impacts (including air pollution, air conditioning costs, and heat-related illnesses), ideas for reducing temperatures and energy use (such as green roofs and cool paving materials, and shade trees), and related research projects. Includes a FAQ and glossary. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/heatislands/ Topics: Energy, Pollution, Weather Last updated May 30, 2006 Home Energy Saver Enter your zip code and receive a "comparison of the energy costs of an average home and an energy-efficient home in your area," and learn how to save money on heating and cooling your home, hot water heaters, lighting, and appliances. Also features remodeling tips, a FAQ on saving energy, a glossary, and links to related resources. Developed by the Environmental Energy Technologies Division at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. http://hes.lbl.gov/ Topics: Energy, Home & Housing, Home & Housing Last updated Jan 4, 2005 Home Resource Efficiency Consumer guide to sustainable and energy-efficient home design, with fact sheets on appliances and lighting, home cooling, household greenhouse gas emissions, water efficiency, construction of new homes, environmentally friendly building materials, renewable energy (such as solar and wind power), indoor air quality, and recycling. From the Rocky Mountain Institute, an energy policy research organization. http://www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid186.php Topics: Architecture, Energy Last updated May 30, 2007 Landscaping for Energy Conservation This fact sheet provides energy-conserving landscaping ideas, such as planting shade trees and creating windbreaks. Includes explanations of concepts related to heat exchange in the home, and illustrated tips for planning a home landscape. From the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. http://www.ext.colostate.edu/PUBS/garden/07225.html Topics: Energy, Gardening Last updated May 29, 2009 Minnesota Green Affordable Housing Guide A resource "to assist designers, contractors, and housing agencies to integrate sustainability, health, durability, and energy efficiency into cold climate housing. It includes design strategies, decision making tools, comparative analyses, best practices, and resources." Topics include considerations for the neighborhood, yard, home, assemblies, and components. Also includes a glossary, fact sheets, and links to related sites. From the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. http://www.greenhousing.umn.edu Topics: Architecture, Energy, Housing Last updated Jun 6, 2007 Mississippi State University MicroCHP Publications and research materials from a center developing energy-efficient micro-cooling, heating, and power (micro-CHP) systems "suitable for agricultural, residential, and small commercial buildings." Provides a diagram showing the components of micro-CHP systems, which use "distributed electric and thermal energy delivery systems at or near end-user sites." Also includes presentations, instructional modules, and links to other websites about micro-CHP and energy efficiency. From Mississippi State University. http://microchp.msstate.edu Topics: Electrical Energy, Energy Last updated Nov 20, 2006 National Resources Defense Council (NRDC): Energy Policy briefs, reports, analysis, white papers, and other documents related to energy policy in the U.S. Topics include energy efficiency, oil and gas, and the utility industry. From the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). http://www.nrdc.org/energy/ Topics: Energy, Oil & Gas Last updated Jun 20, 2007 Natural Resources Canada: Office of Energy Efficiency This site provides publications with product information and related material to help "save energy, save money and help protect the environment while reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contributes to climate change." Search, or browse documents by subject areas such as appliances, buildings, energy use statistics, heating and cooling, home building and renovation, and transportation. From the Canadian Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE). http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/publications/infosource/home/index.cfm?PrintView=N&Text=N Topics: Energy Last updated Dec 5, 2007 NW Energy Coalition This group "is an alliance of more than 100 environmental, civic, and human service organizations, progressive utilities, and businesses in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska and British Columbia. [It promotes] development of renewable energy and energy conservation, consumer protection, low-income energy assistance, and fish and wildlife restoration on the Columbia and Snake rivers." Its site includes fact sheets, reports, news, and related material. http://www.nwenergy.org Topics: Energy Last updated Jul 11, 2006 Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC) "Promoting a cleaner environment through pollution prevention." Intended primarily for business, industry, and government, but with much generally accessible information, this website provides an online newsletter, factsheets, reports, and case studies on pollution, grant opportunities (not limited to the Northwest), and a database of pollution prevention research and evaluations of pollution prevention technologies. http://www.pprc.org/ Topics: Energy Last updated Sep 2, 2006 PG&E: Home Energy-Saving Checklist: Anytime Tips A list of a dozen energy-saving recommendations, from replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps to installing energy-saving showerheads to buying Energy Star-labeled appliances. From the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. http://www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney/savingstips/seasonaltips/anytime/ Topics: Energy, Home & Housing, Home & Housing Last updated Feb 26, 2008 Prepare for Emergencies: Blackouts Tips on how to prepare for a blackout and what actions to take when one occurs. Emphasizes supply and safety tips, including some for people with disabilities. Provides a power outage check-list and covers using generators and food safety. From the American National Red Cross. http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=92d51a53f1c37110VgnVCM1000003481a10aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Electrical Energy, Energy, Home & Housing, Nutrition & Food Safety, Technology Last updated Jun 20, 2009 Project Laundry List Website for a nonprofit organization with a mission to make "air-drying laundry acceptable and desirable as a simple and effective way to save energy." Features laundry tips (on energy savings for washing and drying), blog, clothesline art, and material on advocacy efforts to make clotheslines legal in light of community covenants, landlord prohibitions, and zoning laws. http://www.laundrylist.org/ Topics: Energy, Home & Housing Last updated Apr 13, 2009 Simply Insulate Information and resources to help learn how to lower your energy usage. You can find the Department of Energy's (DOE) recommended R-values (resistance to heat flow) for insulation in your state, a state-by-state listing of electric and gas utilities that offer rebates and assistance, free publications about home and energy efficiency, and a FAQ on home insulation. From the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA). http://www.simplyinsulate.com/ Topics: Electrical Energy, Energy, Home & Housing Last updated Mar 26, 2005 Smart Communities Network: Creating Energy Smart Communities This site offers a "menu of information and services on how your community can adopt sustainable development as a strategy for well-being." The site features case studies, links to technical and financial resources, and to model codes and ordinances communities have used to implement sustainable development. Also includes overviews of topics (such as green buildings and transportation) links to online publications, and news. Searchable. From the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Some material in Spanish. http://www.sustainable.doe.gov/ Topics: Communities & Groups, Energy, Environment, Technology Last updated Apr 6, 2004 The Solar Cooking Archive A sizable collection of resources about marshaling the sun's heat for the specific purpose of cooking. Chefs can find easy-to-build designs for energy efficient solar cookers and a directory of manufacturers of ready-made ovens. There is a model alternative energy science project, a bibliography of cookbooks and technical handbooks, a searchable discussion group, and articles reporting on the use and benefits of off the grid solar cooking and water pasteurization in developing nations worldwide. http://www.solarcooking.org/ Topics: Astronomy, Energy, Recipes & Food Preparation, Technology, Water Last updated Aug 25, 2004 Swimming Pool Heating This site outlines suggestions for improving the heating and energy efficiency of a swimming pool. It covers pool heaters (gas, heat pump, and solar), pool covers (bubble, vinyl, and insulated vinyl), water temperature management, and swimming pool pumps. Includes diagrams and charts showing energy cost comparisons for sample U.S. regions. Part of the U.S. Department of Energy Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=13130 Topics: Energy, Home & Housing Last updated Sep 22, 2009 Use Energy Wisely Tips for making "your home more energy efficient, thereby reducing your heating and cooling bills, and conserving resources at the same time." Includes suggestions for furnaces and water heaters, insulation, and related items. Also includes tips for conserving fuel when driving and links to related sites. From the American Petroleum Institute, which represents the oil and natural gas industry in the United States. http://www.api.org/aboutoilgas/energywise/ Topics: Energy, Home & Housing Last updated Sep 23, 2006 Water Heating Fact sheet on water heating, which "next to heating or cooling ... is typically the largest energy user in the home." Discusses types of water heaters (storage, demand, heat pump, indirect, and solar), selection, efficiency, cost comparison, and upgrading your current water heater. From the online version of the Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings published by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. http://www.aceee.org/consumerguide/waterheating.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Energy, Home & Housing Last updated Oct 14, 2007 Winter Wise Tips "This page provides seasonal tips to help you and your family find ways to reduce pollution and learn about the environment." Features resources on winter heating safety, winter air quality, energy efficiency, heating ducts, radon protection, and related topics. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/region03/winter/ Topics: Energy Last updated Jan 20, 2004 World Energy Council The World Energy Council has a membership of over ninety countries and has a mission "to promote the sustainable supply and use of energy for the greatest benefit of all. The London-based organization has official consultative status with the United Nations." Its website features information about activities (such as a program on cleaner fossil fuels), and publications on energy policies and practices for countries around the world, energy efficiency, and related topics. http://www.worldenergy.org/ Topics: Energy Last updated Nov 17, 2008 |
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