This checklist is designed to evaluate a building’s energy usage by looking at several elements including the building envelope, occupancy, HVAC systems, hot water, lighting, power, refrigeration, and any ancillary systems. Each category contains several points which the person filling out the checklist would verify and assess in order to make recommendations for improvements.

The central purpose of this primer is twofold: (1) to orient readers to key concepts often referred to as environmental accounting, and (2) to explain how the terms that refer to environmental accounting are currently being used, so that confusion about the terms does not impede progress in understanding and applying the core concepts.

This document provides a list of elements, including the building envelope, lighting, HVAC systems, water heating, power systems, and refrigeration, which can greatly influence a building’s energy efficiency. Under each heading are listed specific methods for improving the efficiency of that element.

As the nation begins to look to clean energy as the economic future, it is important to understand the potential for new jobs in this realm. This report outlines what sorts of jobs may come out of the new 'clean energy economy' in certain industries and how we can achieve a 'greener future' through investment and innovation in the areas of clean energy and sustainability.

As a business owner or operator, you know that energy expenses are part of the cost of doing business.  But did you know that there are proven no-cost and low-cost steps you can take right now to save energy?  By choosing energy-efficient measures that fit your situation, yo can easily save hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually in energy costs.