Dive Summary:
- The U.S. economy can generate $85 billion a year in energy savings with better energy efficiency investment for buildings and residences, a new report by the Rhodium Group called Unlocking American Efficiency claims.
- But there are many barriers to energy efficiency.
- The number one culprit is a lack of good information. "Businesses are generally unable to compare the energy costs of different buildings when shopping for new floor space, because that information is not made clearly available to potential buyers or tenants,” the report notes.
- Second, buildings also need a labeling system similar to one that exists for residences to help consumers make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their appliances.
- Third, the report also identified a need for broad-based solutions at the federal level to scale-up energy-efficient design, engineering, construction and retrofitting.
From the article:
"It also highlighted benefits of energy efficiency enhancements that go beyond pure financial returns, such as improving competitiveness, freeing up resources for other investments and lowering overall energy costs, which by extension reduces household spending. 'In short, improving energy efficiency improves America’s economic growth prospects,' the report said."
