Content about Energy conservation

A partnership between Xcel Energy, a utility company that provides power to South Dakota, and home improvement retailers will offer compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) for as little as a dollar each. The program, announced on July 23, is designed to help residents save energy and money.

Ron Jarvis, VP environmental innovation for The Home Depot, said he is “extremely impressed” with how consumers are not just asking for, but demanding, energy-efficient products for their homes — this despite an unsteady economy. 

But thanks to strong marketing programs and ongoing education about the long-term cost-effectiveness of energy-efficient products — and 20 years of Energy Star promotions — customers are opting for products that will save them energy and money.

For the second year in a row, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named NVR the 2012 Energy Star Partner of the Year for the large home builder category for its contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through building Energy Star homes. 

The budget bill drawn up to avert a federal shutdown includes a provision that will delay enforcement of the new energy-efficiency standards for light bulbs. The rider related to the FY 2012 Omnibus funding bill does not repeal or change the standards, however. Instead, it imposes funding limitations on the Department of Energy (DOE) to enforce the light bulb standards for FY 2012.

Lowe’s has added two new brands to its bulb assortment, one a new manufacturer in the LED residential market and the other utilizing a new lighting technology.

Samsung Electronics will release its first LED lighting solutions for the U.S. consumer market through Lowes.com and at select Lowe's home improvement retail stores nationwide. The bulbs include A19, PAR20/30/38 and MR16 bulbs -- all designed to replace traditional incandescent, halogen and CFL bulbs throughout the home.

Massachusetts has replaced California at the top of the Energy Scorecard Top 10, which measures the states' efforts to plan and implement efficient energy policies.

According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), which maintains and publishes the list, the six most improved states are Michigan, Illinois, Nebraska, Alabama, Maryland and Tennessee.

The Scorecard ranks the states based on metrics that capture best practices and recognize leadership in energy-efficiency policy and program implementation, according to the ACEEE.

Osram Sylvania released new LED bulbs at Menards stores on Oct. 11, according to an announcement from the Danvers, Mass., manufacturer. Part of the “Ultra LED” A line, the omnidirectional bulbs are available in two wattages. The 8W is equivalent to the 40W incandescent, and the 13.5W is equivalent to the 60W incandescent. The Ultra LED BR 30 and BR 40 are replacements for the equivalent 65W incandescent models.

Consumer Reports has published its ratings on the new lighting technology facing consumers, and concluded that both CFL and LED bulbs have overcome many problems that challenged earlier versions of these energy-efficient bulbs. The full report, available for Fans on Consumer Reports' Facebook page, focused on the 60-watt equivalent of the standard incandescent bulb, testing both CFLS and LEDs. It concluded that CFLs save money faster due to their low cost.

The Coalition for Energy Star Water Heaters has joined Facebook, in an effort described as a way to share current information about higher-efficiency water heating.

Contractors, plumbers and homeowners can now access the most up-to-date information about the national awareness and education campaign at facebook.com/ESWaterHeaters. 

The ecoEnergy Retroft Homes program will help homeowners save on improvements that benefit the environment. 

Under the deal, grants of up to $5,000 are available to homeowners who make their homes more energy efficient. So far, according to the program's organizers, participating homeowners have saved 20% on their energy bills.

An article in the New York Times sheds light on how some high-end designers view energy rules governing the use of incandescent light bulbs.

The article states that anxiety and stockpiling are some of the results of legislation designed to save energy by phasing out certain incandescent light bulbs, and phasing in compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Leviton has launched a campaign to encourage homeowners and businesses to evaluate their lighting control needs in order to make the kinds of decision that could make a difference in energy consumption. 

The "Make the Switch" campaign in support of Earth Day 2011 includes the educational campaign "10 Smart Tips for a Greener Home.' Among the tips:

• Dimming lights 25% cuts energy usage by 20% and extends a bulbs life four times longer;