The goal of energy efficiency is to reduce the amount of energy required for products and services. Energy efficiency offers a powerful and cost-effective tool for achieving a sustainable energy future. According to the International Energy Agency, improved energy efficiency in buildings, industrial processes and transportation starting now, could reduce the world's energy needs in 2050 by one third, and help control global emissions of greenhouse gases.

Why should we be energy efficient?

• Environmental Benefits: 
  Energy efficiency is seen as a key solution to the problem of reducing emissions and local air pollution. By reducing the amount of energy we consume we are also reducing the amount of oil that must be transported around the world.   
• Financial Benefits: 
  Reducing energy use results in a financial cost savings.  Improvements in energy efficiency can reduce the need for investment in energy infrastructure. Energy efficiency programs provide customers with home improvements that enhance home comfort and increase property values.
• Energy Security: 
  Political instability of several energy producing countries, the manipulation of energy supplies, and competition over energy sources has led to significant vulnerabilities. Energy efficiency decreases the reliance on imported fossil fuels and protects the economy from possible price fluctuations. 

ENERGY STARis a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
 

EPEAT, which stands for Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, is an easy-to-use, on-line tool helping institutional purchasers select and compare computer desktops, laptops and monitors based on their environmental attributes. As of June 2007, approximately 532 products manufactured by 19 manufacturers were EPEAT registered and listed on the EPEAT Product Registry Web page.
 

Three good reasons to purchase Energy Star and EPEAT products:

• It reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants caused by the inefficient use of energy.  Also improvements in equipment operation and end-of-life management practices.
• It makes it easy for consumers to identify and purchase energy-efficient products that offer savings on energy bills without sacrificing performance, features, and comfort.
• It provides clear, consistent procurement criteria so that consumers can promote environmental stewardship with their dollars.  Every time someone buys a product that’s a part of the EPEAT or Energy Star program, they’re helping give manufacturers an incentive to produce greener electronics that are less harmful to the environment.

 Check out the EPA web sitefor more information about EPEAT.

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use significantly less energy than traditional (incandescent) light bulbs. If every America home replaced one bulb with a CFL, we'd save enough energy to light 3 million homes, and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to ~800,000 cars. Even though CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, that amount is significantly less than the amount of mercury avoided as a result of the energy savings.

Recycling Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

• CFL bulbs: It is illegal to place CFL bulbs in the garbage, because they contain a small amount of mercury. You can recycle CFLs (bulbs ONLY) at any of the locations in the green box below. CFLs (bubls and tubes) are also collected at Household Hazardous Waste Clean-Up days for free. NOTE: if you have fluorescent tubes, please scroll down for recycling options as these are not accepted at the locations listed in the table below.

• Fluorescent tubes: These cannot be placed in the trash. Instead, take them to The Recycling Zone[free from a residential source, for a fee from businesses], Batteries Plus, or Certified Recyclingfor a fee, so they may be disposed of properly and safely.

Why use a CFL?

• A CFL can save more than $40 in electricity costs over its lifetime if used instead of an incandescent bulb
• It uses 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and lasts 10 times longer
• Produces about 75% less heat, so it's safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling

Preventing CFLs from Breaking:

• Always switch off and allow the bulb to cool before handling. If possible, screw/unscrew the CFL by holding the plastic or ceramic base, not the glass tubing
• Do not overtighten
• Keep out of lamps that could easily tip

Cleaning Up a Broken CFL:

Exposure to broken CFLs can pose a health risk, especially to pregnant women and young children. 

1. Open a window, shut off central air conditioning or forced-air heating, and clear the room for at least 15 minutes, as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends.
2. Follow the detailed cleanup steps for either hard surfaces or carpeting/rugs posted on the EPA web site.

Check out these other helpful links:

• For purchasing tips visit the Energy Star web site.
• Find more information on facts and myths about CFLs.

The MN Energy Challenge is run by an area nonprofit, Center for Energy and Environment.  The Challenge is a pledge to reduce energy use and save money in your household.  You can learn about the actions that you take, and then choose the ones that work for you.  The web site also features an easy-to-use action guide, an "ask the experts" section, and information on utility rebate programs.  Registration is free for all services.  Most important, however, is the Challenge itself.  Over 26,000 Minnesota households have already pledged to save money and energy!

Find more information on the MN Energy Challenge web site!

A few tips from the MN Energy Challenge:

Biggest bang for your buck:

• Sign up for your utility company's air conditioning load control program.
• Insulate your attic.
• Wash clothes in cold water.
• Insulate walls.
• Replace 20+ year old furnaces.

Fun for families:

• Ditch the car and walk or bike to get exercise and save energy.

Lighting:

• Flip off lights and unplug appliances when not in use.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFL's.
• Use holiday LED lights for your winter celebrations.

When it comes to energy efficiency, most local utility companies offer rebates or incentive programs of some kind for residents.  Below is a list of resources and links.

• Residents and businesses in the Dakota Electric service area can find rebates, incentive programs, renewable energy options and other promotions.
• Residents and businesses in the Xcel Energy service area have access to rebates, energy audits, renewable energy options and more.
• Discover new ways to save energy—Learn more about the Minnesota Energy Challenge.