Energy Efficiency Day is the first Wednesday of Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Month – October. According to www.energyefficiencyday.org it “is a collaborative effort of dozens of energy efficiency advocacy groups around the United States, including the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Advanced Energy Economy, Alliance to Save Energy, Natural Resources Defense Council, the Regional Energy Efficiency Organizations and many others.”

Did you know that Americans consume 26% of the world’s energy? Almost 20% of that is from our homes! Just heating and cooling accounts for about 56% of energy use in any given home.[1] That’s a lot of energy and energy is not cheap – not in regard to the pocketbook or earth. According to the US Energy Information Administration “nearly one-third of U.S. households (31%) reported facing a challenge in paying energy bills or sustaining adequate heating and cooling in their homes in 2015.”[2] The same data shows that almost half of households with an income of $20,000 or less face some level of energy insecurity. Many households are making difficult decisions as a result of high energy burdens. Some forgo necessities such as food and medicine to pay the bill, others keep their homes at dangerous or unsafe temperatures to keep costs down and yet others forced to redirect funds are facing disconnection. This is a lot of people who could benefit greatly from weatherization.

Weatherization increases energy efficiency through many means, by preventing heat loss through air sealing and insulation and updating old inefficient heating systems to name just a couple. Not only does Weatherization increase energy efficiency but it reduces energy costs for individuals and families across the country helping them focus on what is most important to them.

NASCSP is excited to be part of the solution by working diligently to support the Weatherization Assistance Programs around the country.

If you are looking for resources to share and celebrate Energy Efficiency Day and Month or Weatherization Month you can start here:

• NASCSP Weatherization Day 2021 Outreach Toolkit
• NASCSP Weatherization Day 2021 Site Demonstration Toolkit
• NCAP Energy Awareness Month Toolkit

[1] https://www.chelseagreen.com/2008/ten-surprising-facts-about-the-energy-we-use/

[2] https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=37072