What is the current state of energy efficiency in the United States? According to a recent study conducted by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE), energy efficiency continues to grow, with cleaner energy and natural gas being consumed, as coal burning and carbon dioxide emissions fall.

Some of the main findings of the study include:

• Investments in energy efficiency causes have spurred the growth of American productivity, creating jobs as well as more hospitable living locations. American energy productivity increased 13 percent from 2007 to 2015.
• 2015 was a record year for natural gas production, consumption, power generation and overall volume.
• Renewable energy is a prominent part of U.S. power, making up 20 percent of its total output. With more than 222 GW of installed capacity available across the country, an increase of 57 percent has been made since 2008.

"Last year was certainly one for the history books: US power sector CO2 emissions fell to their lowest annual level since the mid-1990s. And the net impact on consumers is negligible to positive as prices for electricity and fuel remained low by historic standards and customer choices expanded. Perhaps most importantly, many of the key changes seen in 2015 are likely permanent shifts, rather than temporary adjustments due to one-time events," said Senior Analyst at BNEF Colleen Regan.

Since 2007, the U.S. has put close to $445 billion toward renewable energy sources and energy smart technologies. By doing so, overall efficiency has increased and continues to do so. Making energy efficient changes can begin small as well. By making changes, such as installing Energy Star appliances, an easily controlled thermostat or new HVAC system, real savings can be maintained now and in the future.

To learn more, schedule an energy audit today.