The state of California has a number of programs to encourage energy efficiency upgrades of buildings around the state. The "encouragement" is done with rebates, and they've recently launched a web site with information on the available programs, methods, tools, techniques, etc.
The basic idea isn't about creating new energy sources such as encouraging solar photovoltaic electricity systems on homeowner roofs. Instead it's about creating negawatts, or the effective increase in available energy overall through reduction of needs. When you reduce the energy needs of your home, it decreases the environmental impact of the home.
Further down is a video interview with people in Santa Clara County associated with the program.
- An efficient home can help save you money: Good systems don’t work as hard to heat and cool your home, so you don’t have to run them as frequently. As a result, you may find your bills go down.
- An efficient home is a more comfortable home: Tired of being too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter? Are some rooms cold and others hot? Energy efficient measures available through the Energy Upgrade program can help keep your home comfortable in all seasons.
- An efficient home is a healthier home: Better systems help improve the quality of the air inside your home—which is truly a breath of fresh air.
- An efficient home helps the environment: Less energy equals less greenhouse gases. Your Energy Upgrade helps the environment in a big way.
