Introduction to Energy Conservation

View: An Intro to Energy Conservation

1. What Is Energy Conservation?

2. Where Can We Conserve Energy?

3. References & Resources related to Energy Conservation

What Is Energy Conservation?

Energy conservation is the thoughtful and thrifty use of energy through the reduction of energy consumption in our homes, offices and with our equipment and cars, for the overall purpose of decreasing the dependency on non-renewable resources.

Where Can We Conserve Energy?

Energy conservation can in fact in be applied in our every day lives. Every citizen has a role in enhancing our community and global level of energy conservation. This ranges from our homes to how we travel and carry out our daily tasks. Home conservation actions may include completing a home assessment, weatherizing the home, upgrading to efficient appliances and heating systems, and participating in information and training sessions to enhance personal awareness of the applications of energy conservation and realistic options.

By far the greatest and least expensive step we can take to lower energy consumption is to use energy more efficiently. Energy conservation or using energy more intelligently has several benefits. Our electric bills will be lower, and our environmental footprint is reduced.

Energy conservation is becoming a recognized public policy. On March 18, 2004 John Manley, Canada's former deputy prime minister released a report, Transforming Ontario’s Power Generation Company commissioned by Ontario Ministry of Energy. In the report, Manley stressed “conservation represents the cleanest means of filling Ontario’s supply gap ... we believe a supply for Ontario should include: growth in green renewable power and other solutions that use innovative technologies.” (12)

(12) Transforming Ontario's Power Generation Company (the Manley Report), March 18, 2004

To understanding how to conserve energy, we need to know how much power things use. Many appliances use a lot of power but in short bursts. A microwave uses 750 watts per hour, but it only takes five minutes to cook a potato. So it’s no just an appliance’s power consumption, but how long the appliance is used.

The following table shows common power use per hour for various home appliances:

References & Resources related to Energy Conservation specifically for:

1. Educators



2. Facility Managers

3. General Community