The U.S. consumed over 97.7 quadrillion Btus of energy in 2017 alone. This number can be hard to wrap your brain around, but what’s even worse is that two-thirds of that energy was wasted in the process. The core of the problem is a combination of inefficient non-renewable methods and the way we use energy in our homes and businesses.

 

The upside is we control both our energy use and the impact on our planet. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, we can reduce our energy consumption by 40 to 60 percent within the next 25 years. Using better technology and eliminating waste across our economy. This will not only benefit the economy, but create a cleaner environment while tackling climate change issues in the process.

So, how are we going to solve this issue? Read below to find out.

3 Ways Texas Plans On Attacking The Issue

1. Attacking the problem in our communities and workplaces

The root of the problems starts in our very own homes. Promoting energy conservation is a common sense solution, but getting everyone on board is another challenge. Starting with baby steps, such as using LED light bulbs versus the traditional bulb, to big steps, such as installing solar panels on your home. Addressing the issues in our own homes must become a priority. That’s why Texas has created Citizen’s guide for reducing energy waste, to help educate people of methods they can use in their own homes and business to save energy.

2.Building more efficiently

Building consumes more energy across the nation than anything else. We can make a change by focusing our efforts on ensuring institutions, cities and states are implementing effective methods to its infrastructure.

To achieve this goal, Texas is working on upgrading existing buildings, while ensuring all new buildings are constructed to meet net-zero energy standards. This means that all new building in the next decade will be constructed with energy from solar panels and wind turbines.  

3. Investing in appliance efficiency

Pushing efforts toward appliance efficiency can make a drastic impact on products in our communities.

Texas is working alongside national networks, to promote conservation locally plus state-level governments to assure concrete policies are implemented. In doing so, the appliance efficiency standards will be raised, creating more energy savings, decreasing environmental damages and building a foundation for future communities to follow up.

The future of this great nation is in our hands. As Texans, it is our duty to lead the charge on change in this country. But first, we must look within our own homes and communities if we really plan to make a change.