Energy Efficiency

Why?

Global warming is the leading environmental challenge we face today. Unless we reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere when we burn fossil fuels by at least 80 percent by 2050, we will experience significant global climate change in the years to come. The task may seem daunting, but it can be achieved by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by two percent a year—a readily attainable goal.

The Montgomery County Sierra Club is working hard to ensure that the residents, businesses and government of Montgomery County reduce their total greenhouse gas emissions by 2 percent every year, starting now. Meeting this goal will require greatly expanded energy efficiency and conservation efforts, improved public transit that creates a realistic option to reduce car trips and smart growth planning that directs housing and job growth into mixed use, walkable communities served by rapid and reliable public transit.

What?

• Because one-third of all the greenhouse gas emissions in the county are the result of energy use in homes, our initial focus is on helping residents achieve significant gains in energy efficiency that can also pay for themselves in reduced utility bills.
• We are working with the county government, the business community and other community groups to create and implement a Climate Action Plan with specific programs and policies that will get us to the two percent annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

How?

• Holding monthly house meetings led by Sierra Club members with first-hand experience in making homes more energy efficient focusing on the top ten actions to save energy and lower your bills.
• Conducting demonstration house energy audits done by certified energy auditors where attendees can see exactly what is included in an audit and learn specific ways to save energy.
  A typical home unnecessarily wastes 10-30% of the energy it uses to heat and cool indoor air because of air leaks to the outside. Our programs help residents find and fix these leaks that waste energy and add to their carbon footprints.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of Montgomery County's Climate Protection Plan with specific programs and policies that will get us to the two percent annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions..

What You Can Do to Help

• Reduce your Energy Consumption! Follow the seven easy steps that will save you energy and money.
• Check out our volunteer opportunities!

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