Improve Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Energy prices will continue to rise for two main reasons:  the state’s growing population and the increasing production costs of conventional energy sources.  With growing population demand comes additional energy supply needed from the utility companies and additional residential and commercial building construction, appliances and equipment.  North Carolina then has a unique opportunity to supply power most efficiently and build with a greater attention to energy efficiency than it has in the past.

The IEI Energy Working Groups made the following recommendations to improve energy efficiency in the state:

Model practices by higher education: Universities and community colleges should provide comprehensive leadership in the new energy economy through the use of innovative technologies and energy efficient behavior.

Provide efficiency incentives: Provide incentives for increasing the efficient use of energy in the residential, commercial, industrials and government sections, so lowering energy costs and increasing competitiveness.

Educate officials and planners: Educate state and local leaders and agency staff about the requirements of energy efficient and renewable energy construction.

Require new building standards: Raise the bar in building standards and codes, aiming at best practices from across the country in energy efficiency, water efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.

• Require public best practices: Public or publically financed construction should adopt energy efficient standards and codes.