Energy efficiency, also known as efficient energy use, is the process of reducing the amount of energy required to provide products and services. It involves using less energy to perform the same task or produce the same result. Energy efficiency is a key component of sustainable energy policy and is often considered alongside renewable energy. It is essential for slowing down the depletion of domestic energy resources and reducing the level of energy imports from foreign countries, which can have national security benefits.
In the context of physics, energy efficiency is the ratio between the useful output and input of an energy conversion process. It can also refer to various types of efficiency, such as electrical efficiency, mechanical efficiency, thermal efficiency, luminous efficiency, fuel efficiency, and energy efficiency in transportation and landscaping. In general, energy efficiency aims to minimize the amount of energy used for a given, constant energy service.
Some key benefits of energy efficiency include:
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Combatting climate change: Energy efficiency is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero emissions of carbon dioxide through decarbonization.
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Reducing energy costs: By using less energy, individuals, businesses, and communities can lower their energy bills and save money.
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Improving competitiveness: Energy-efficient practices and technologies can enhance the competitiveness of businesses and industries by reducing their operating costs.
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Enhancing community resilience and addressing energy equity: Energy-efficiency programs can help underserved communities, including communities of color, by bringing efficient, cost-effective technologies and infrastructure to these areas, which are disproportionately affected by air pollution and have a higher energy burden.
