Energy News

Northwest has Record Year for Energy Efficiency Pierce County takes the Energy Challenge Region Saves $135 Million in Energy Costs

Energy Efficiency Challenges

Despite rising energy costs, our region shows troubling trends in energy consuption. According to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, there is potential to avoid more than 60 percent of commercial energy growth through energy efficiency. Capturing these savings is critical to helping the region meet its growing energy demands. Pierce County's goal is to reduce by 15% electricity and natural gas use in County facilities over 2010 levels, and have all new County facilities built to a LEED Silver or better standard. Pierce County has taken the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA) Energy Challenge to reduce energy use by 15% in County owned buildings. To support these efforts they are also taking part in the Northwest Plug Load Pledge that focuses on procuring energy efficient products. What can do to improve energy efficiency, save money and earn utility rebates? Explore the resources below:

Employee Guide

Pierce County Employee Energy Efficiency Page 10 ways to save money on energy 10 ways to save energy at home Homeowner tips Renter tips

Track Your Energy Use

'What gets measured gets fixed' - Alan Durning, Sightline Institute Explore free tools available through ENERGY STAR that track energy use, benchmark water consumption, calculate emissions, and more. To get started with ENERGY STAR, register your organization, at no cost, through the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager website. Begin collecting general information about your buildings such as address, square footage, and use of space. Compile utility data for at least the past 12 months. You can work with your utility providers or internal accountants to get this data. Upload your utility data to your new Portfolio Manager account and assess your performance Benchmarking Training Video

Qualify for Utility Rebates

Utility providers offer rebates - and funding opportunities to complete energy efficiency projects for commercial buildings. Click on an icon to view program details or contact your provider:

Tacoma Power Puget Sound Energy Lakeview Light and Power Elmhurst Mutual Power and Light Tanner Electric Peninsula Light Company Bonneville Power Administration Parkland Light Pand Water

Explore Green Building Upgrades and Resources

Pierce County Master Builders Cascadia Green Building Council Pierce County Economic Development Division Northwest Energy Efficiency Council Building Operator Certification Council Database of Incentives for Renewable Energy US Energy Information Admin Free ENERGY STAR Tools and Resources

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