Real Prospects for Energy Efficiency in the United States

America's economy and lifestyles have been shaped by the low prices and availability of energy.

In the last decade, however, the prices of oil, natural gas, and coal have increased dramatically, leaving consumers and the industrial and service sectors looking for ways to reduce energy use.

To achieve greater energy efficiency, we need technology, more informed consumers and producers, and investments in more energy-efficient industrial processes, businesses, residences, and transportation. As part of the America's Energy Future project, Real Prospects for Energy Efficiency in the United States examines the potential for reducing energy demand through improving efficiency by using existing technologies, technologies developed but not yet utilized widely, and prospective technologies.

The book evaluates technologies based on their estimated times to initial commercial deployment, and provides an analysis of costs, barriers, and research needs.

This quantitative characterization of technologies will guide policy makers toward planning the future of energy use in America.

This book will also have much to offer to industry leaders, investors, environmentalists, and others looking for a practical diagnosis of energy efficiency possibilities. Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 Energy Use in Context2 Energy Efficiency in Residential and Commercial Buildings3 Energy Efficiency in Transportation4 Energy Efficiency in industry5 Overarching Findings and Lessons Learned from Federal and StateEnergy Efficiency Policies and ProgramsAppendixesAppendix A: America's Energy Future ProjectAppendix B: Panel Biographical InformationAppendix C: Presentations and Panel MeetingsAppendix D: Definitions of Energy EfficiencyAppendix E: Estimating the Net Costs and Benefits of Energy SavingsAppendix F: Equivalences and Conversion FactorsAppendix G: Acronyms and Abbreviations