Conserving Energy (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Study Guide

Energy conservation is making the most of energy sources to cut down on waste, reduce consumption and extent limited resources

Energy conservation is essential to:

• ensure future generations have the energy resources they need

• limit climate change

Cost savings: using energy-efficient appliances and changing people's habits, energy is used wisely, energy bills are lower and life becomes more affordable

National security: becoming energy dependent on imports increases the risk to national security

• Countries can become more energy independent by saving energy and producing more energy at home, which helps them rely less on foreign energy sources

Energy savings can help the economy grow by lowering energy costs and making businesses more competitive worldwide

It can also help produce jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy fields

Energy conservation can be individual and national

There are many actions that individuals can take to reduce energy use, conserve resources, or use energy more efficiently, including:

• Reduce car use by using public transport, walking or cycling

• Conservation landscaping a garden to improve water quality, promote and preserve native species, and provide wildlife habitat

  • Conservation landscaping replaces hard surfaces or lawn grass with native plants

• Improving attic and wall insulation can save 10% or more on annual energy bills

• Replace light bulbs with LEDs

  • LEDs contain no mercury and can be disposed in the regular trash

• Take shorter showers to conserve water

• Buy energy-efficient appliances such as washers and dryers

  • Energy Star® products use between 10 and 50% less water and energy compared to regular appliances

• Minimize phantom loads by not leaving electrical items on standby

• Install double or triple-glazing to reduce air-leaks

• ​Change to a programmable HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) thermostat

  • A programmable thermostat can save as much as 15% on heating and cooling costs

  • Turning the thermostat down by 1 °F can save 3% on the household energy bill

• Install solar panels and a heat pump

Large-scale energy conservation can occur when groups and organizations push for rules and regulations

Even though energy needs affect the economy, companies and governments need to manage how their actions affect the environment

Governments can promote energy conservation through partnerships:

• Energy Star® is a partnership between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) that encourages the use of independently certified energy-efficient products and practices to help protect the environment

• Since 1992, Energy Star® has cut greenhouse gas emissions by 4 billion tons and helped American homes and businesses save $500 billion on energy bills and 5 trillion kWh of electricity (source: About ENERGY STAR 2025)

Governments can introduce building codes to ensure that new buildings and renovations meet energy-efficient standards

• Provide grants and loans for homeowners to install solar panels or insulation

Invest in renewable technologies by offering rewards or financial support for setting up systems that use sources like hydro, solar and wind energy

Invest in public transport and infrastructure and encourage the switch to electric cars and hybrid vehicles to reduce air pollution and energy consumption

Governments can create policies that require energy audits or set energy performance standards that motivate people to use less energy and invest in energy-efficient technology

Educating the population about the importance of energy conservation and efficiency through outreach programs, campaigns on TV and social media

Without energy conservation, the environment, business, and society suffer

The possible consequences of not saving energy include:

• Environmental damage: energy use causes air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and habitat destruction, along with worsening climate change

• Economic costs: energy is scarce and the cost will rise, hurting the economy as companies and consumers spend more on energy

• Energy dependent: any country that wastes energy may become dependent on foreign energy, risking national security and increasing vulnerability to global political and economic crises

• Social inequality: rising energy costs make it harder for low-income families to pay their bills, which further increases social inequality and access to heat and light

• Limited economic growth: rising energy costs make businesses less competitive globally and slow economic growth

  • It can slow the expansion of innovative technology and enterprises like renewable energy, which could benefit the economy and create jobs