Organizations, individuals and states across the country are continuing to increase their efforts to adopt energy-efficient homes and buildings, and advocacy groups are taking notice. The Providence Journal reports that the Ocean State has been taking significant steps in the direction of sustainability, helping to boost its overall economy.

The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy just released its annual rankings, listing Rhode Island among the top 10 states with the strongest programs for efficient use of electricity and heating fuels. This is especially significant for a New England state to achieve, since the North East encounters generally higher energy prices than the rest of the country.

According to the source, there have been a number of strategies to reduce energy costs statewide that have been so successful that electricity use in Rhode Island will start to decline in 2015. Many towns have contributed to these efforts, with South Kingstown cutting energy consumption at its municipal buildings by 23 percent and an East Providence Citizens Bank installing a new air conditioning system to save them significant money, to name a few.

It isn't just businesses that have been adopting more sustainable solutions. Tiverton residents Marilyn and Paul Levesque have connected their cell phone to their thermostat so they can control the temperature from wherever they are.

Not only are these efforts beneficial for the environment, they're also contributing to a boost in Rhode Island's economy. By moving forward with energy-efficient projects, the state has created thousands of local jobs and put hundreds of millions of dollars back into the economy.

If you're a homeowner interested in finding out which energy-efficient initiatives are best for your property, the best way to start is by contacting a home inspection contractor. They can help you identify some cost-effective opportunities that you can pursue to make your home better for the environment – and for your wallet.