Conserving energy is the easiest way to preserve Florida’s energy
supply and protect the environment. Each of us plays a role in energy
conservation – as business owners, employees and consumers.
Businesses and organizations––such as auto manufacturers, hotels,
governments, schools, and hospitals––are managing their energy use
strategically, saving money, and differentiating themselves in the
marketplace as committed stewards of our environment. Product
manufacturers and home builders are providing a broad array of efficient
products and new homes. Households are investing in more efficient
appliances, lighting, heating and cooling systems and other
improvements.
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As energy demand increases at a significant rate, and with Florida relying
heavily on natural gas, coal and oil imports, it is more important than ever
for citizens to
conserve their energy resources.
The Florida Green Lodging Program, established in 2004 by the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recognizes and rewards
environmentally conscientious lodging facilities in the state. Through this
rapidly growing program, DEP encourages the lodging industry to conserve and
protect Florida’s natural resources. The Green Lodging Program is unique because
it covers an all-inclusive list of environmental initiatives specific to the
Florida environment.
A government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the
environment through superior energy efficiency. Last year alone, Americans saved
enough energy to power 20 million homes and avoid greenhouse gas emissions
equivalent to those from 18 million cars —while saving $8 billion. The average
household would save $60 per year by replacing the five most used light bulbs
with compact fluorescent bulbs. If consumers purchased Energy Star efficient
appliances instead of standard models over the next 15 years they would save $5
billion.
A private/public partnership that develops energy solutions for new and
existing homes. The Building America program combines industry leader’s
knowledge and resources with the U.S. Department of Energy's technical
capabilities. Together, they act as a catalyst for change in the home-building
industry.
Rebuild America is a growing network of community-driven voluntary
partnerships that foster energy efficiency and renewable energy in commercial,
government and public-housing buildings. At the federal level, it is the
largest, most established technology deployment program within DOE’s Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). The program’s goals are to:
conserve energy, accelerate use of the best energy technologies, save money,
reduce air pollution, lower U.S. reliance on energy imports, help revitalize
aging city and town neighborhoods, and create “smart energy” jobs.
The National Energy Foundation selected school districts in Florida, North
Carolina and Tennessee to receive energy education materials and teacher
training. In school year 2003-04, four school districts with more than 19
million square feet of building space reported saving 18,346,495 kilowatt hours
and nearly $1.2 million from energy conservation practices.
Thanks to a partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy, Florida
Department of Environmental Protection, Orange County Public Schools and Walt
Disney World, Florida’s schools are the first in the nation to demonstrate a
Web-based “Utility Report Card,” which tracks, evaluates and charts energy
consumption in schools. First implemented by Walt Disney World Resorts to track
energy consumption throughout its parks and resorts, the modified software tool
allows school districts to pin-point energy use and expenditures. The
information system helps school districts monitor energy used by individual
schools during everyday activities, allowing districts to make operation and
maintenance changes to reduce consumption.
