What can you do to "Save the World?" Take the pledge to "Start with ENERGY STAR." This national challenge is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to encourage Americans to consider the energy you use and help "Change the World," one step at a time.  There are many simple things you can do to save energy.  The new campaign still includes the familiar "Change a Light" theme, but encourages everyone to consider the many other possibilities for saving energy.  Visit the ENERGY STAR web page and take the pledge. Save energy; save money; protect the environment; and help with our national energy security.

Want to lead a pledge drive?  The Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence is partnering with the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project to offer mini-grants to help you organize a pledge campaign.  Learn more:

• Kentucky "Change the World" pledge campaign
• Mini-grant information and application

Winter is fast approaching, and consumers and small businesses need to be prepared to meet their energy needs in the face of rising energy costs. A new US Department of Energy web site provides consumers with free and inexpensive strategies for saving energy and money through the cold months, as well as energy-saving investments that can provide savings over the long term. You'll also find information on financial assistance for energy-saving improvements.

Find more energy saving tips here!

Have you ever heard of an ENERGY STAR Home?  If you haven't, you aren't alone.  Most people think of refrigerators and compact fluorescent light bulbs when they hear ENERGY STAR.  However, you can also get ENERGY STAR homes.  What makes an ENERGY STAR home?  They are more air tight, more comforatble, have a higher assurance of quality because they are inspected by a thrid party, and, best of all, they save you money!  Annual savings on a typical ENERGY STAR home can run about $390.   

As of 2/27/08, there were 1550 Energy Star homes in Kentucky.  This means Kentuckians are already experiencing annual savings of: 

• $604,500   [Source (pdf 1.25 mb)]
• 6,975,000 pounds of green house gases (or the equivalent of removing 608 cars from the road) [Source ]

Learn more about how ENERGY STAR homes can save you money (pdf 1.25 mb).

Kentucky is proving that energy efficient schools make a difference by building schools that qualify for the ENERGY STAR label. Schools that earn the ENERGY STAR label use less energy, cost less to operate, lighten the load on the environment, and improve comfort and indoor air quality for building occupants.

As of January 30, there were 22 ENERGY STAR labeled buildings in Kentucky and 12 of those buildings were K-12 public schools. This brochure showcases Kentucky's ENERGY STAR schools to help communities, families, and educators learn why ENERGY STAR schools are making a positive difference.

Download brochure: Building Energy Proficiency in Kentucky Schools (pdf - 5.6 mb)

Follow these tips to help you save gas and money and protect the environment.

• Observe the speed limit
• Avoid hard acceleration
• Combine errands
• Keep your engine properly tuned

More tips...