About

Most of our national discourse is focused on how to increase the availability of various sources of energy, as our population grows and our natural resources are finite. At The Energy Conscious, we believe that there is just as large a role for energy and water saving through efficiency. Energy and water efficiency means wasting less without sacrificing comfort—unlike conservation, which requires (sometimes painful) changes in behavior.

A 2009 study by the consulting firm McKinsey found that efforts to boost efficiency by using existing technologies could reduce American energy consumption by more than 20% by 2020. This is a whopping statistic, which reflects substantial savings to consumers and industry alike, and real progress in caring for our planet and environment.

Efficiency often comes from using new technologies that are more attuned to energy saving, like fluorescent lighting, tankless water heaters, or dual and low flush toilets. But consumers can also save energy by using existing units more productively (for example, by insulating pipes and ducts or caulking windows and doors). Either way, improving efficiency pays for itself quickly by lowering energy and water bills year after year while also promoting a clean environment.