U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

We lead a vast network of research and industry partners to continually develop innovative, cost-effective energy saving solutions—better products, better new homes, better ways to improve older homes, and better buildings in which we work, shop, and lead our everyday lives. Energy efficiency is a low-cost way to save money, support job growth, reduce pollution, and improve the competitiveness of our businesses. Our homes, offices, schools, hospitals, restaurants, and stores consume a lot of energy—and money. We spend more than $400 billion each year to power our homes and commercial buildings, consuming more than 70% of all electricity used in the United States, about 40% of our nation's total energy bill, and contributing to almost 40% of the nation's carbon dioxide emissions. And much of this energy and money is wasted—20% or more on average. If we cut the energy use of U.S. buildings by 20%, we could save approximately $80 billion annually on energy bills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create jobs.