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Energy Conservation Action Plan
An important component in building a sustainable community is investing
in energy efficiency and renewable energy resources. This approach will
save money, strengthen local economies and improve the environment. Communities
should look for new and innovative approaches to improve their energy
efficiency and educate the residents to energy effective techniques in
the home, at work and in their choice of transportation. Check out EPA's Energy Star Program , the
Rocky Mountain Institute 
and the US
Department of Energy site for more ideas.
Click here for Energy Conservation Action
Plan Indicators and Linkages. [PDF, 11pp, 250k, about pdf]
Goals and Objectives
Goals
- Improvements in local energy efficiency and the community economy.
- Develop sustainable energy practices.
Objectives
- Identify barriers to energy efficiency.
- Select projects that are cost-effective and implementable.
- Determine environmental impacts and economic benefits of projects.
- Select leadership and participants for successful implementation.
- Promote energy surveys in the areas of residential, industrial/commercial and transportation.
Recommendations for Action Planning
- Prepare and distribute a guide to locally available energy-smart products and services.
- Perform and publicize energy retro-fits in public buildings as an example for the community.
- Hold workshops on energy efficient techniques.
- Provide outreach on energy efficiency such as displays, newspaper articles and school presentations.
- Develop a team to develop and sustain energy conservation ideas and initiatives.
- Hold an Energy Town Meeting annually.
- Establish coordination with local energy utilities.
- Organize a community-wide Alternative Transportation Day.
- Track accomplishments and monitor progress of energy related projects.
- Identify sources of financing and support for energy projects and programs.
- Develop separate task forces for residential, governmental and private sector energy efficiency.
- Utilize energy efficient subdivision and land development practices.
- Urge architects to produce energy-efficient building designs.
- Adopt energy efficient homebuilding codes.
- Explore energy saving opportunities such as: lighting; indoor climates; hot water; refrigeration; cooking; laundry; and manufacturing and industrial processes.
- Reduce transportation fuel costs by: increasing fuel efficiency; promoting efficient use of vehicles; and reducing demand for travel.
- Explore experiences in other communities.