Region 1: EPA New England

What You Can Do

Use energy more efficiently

Given the impact of energy usage on our environment, the easiest way to have a positive impact is to use less energy in your home or your business. Smarter energy usage results in less air and water pollution AND saves money. Whether you are a homeowner or responsible for millions of square feet of building space, EPA's Energy Star program offers ways to reduce energy usage including:

• Tools to measure and track energy usage
• New building strategies
• Product certification
• Home renovation strategies

Use cleaner sources of energy

Green Power Purchases: In New England, most electricity consumers have choices about where their power comes from. For instance, a consumer can choose a supplier that guarantees that their electricity comes from only renewable resources such as wind and solar.

Larger organizations that choose such an option may be eligible to participate in EPA's Green Power Partnership.

Onsite Systems: Alternatively, consumers can install onsite renewable systems to meet all or some of their electric demand. Examples include rooftop solar panels and small wind turbines.

Community Energy Challenge

Cities and towns across New England can save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing energy consumption in public buildings, schools, and wastewater treatment facilities. To learn more about how municipalities can save energy, visit EPA New England's Community Energy Challenge web page.

Take the Change the World Challenge

Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR is a national campaign from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encouraging all Americans to join with millions of others and take small steps that make a big difference in the fight against global warming.

Compare Your Home’s Energy Performance

You can use the ENERGY STAR Home Energy Yardstick to

• See how your energy use at home compares to other U.S. households.
• Find out how much you can save by improving your home's energy efficiency.
• Link to other resources that can help improve your home's energy performance

You will need to enter some common information about your home such as age, square footage, number of occupants and energy bill totals for a consecutive 12-month period (one year). If you do not have your bills, contact your utility for a 12-month summary.

Make Your Next Home a Green Home

Through ENERGY STAR qualified homes and the ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package, homebuyers can address two critical green home elements. Then, look to the wide variety of available green home programs to complete the picture with water-efficient products, renewable energy technologies, waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable land development practices. Find out more about Green Homes with ENERGY STAR.