Flex Your Power is an organization working hard within the state of California to recognize where power is used and how it can be most efficiently cut back. According to the organization, energy is split one third by homes, more than half by businesses, and about ten percent by our water systems.
Homes use energy primarily for lighting, household appliances, and air conditioning. Organizations such as Maytag, creating energy-efficient clothes washers, and Pardee Homes, implementing strict energy-efficient building standards, are leading the fight to preserve our energy resources on a residential level.
Businesses use energy for similar purposes, utilizing overwhelming amounts of lighting and air-codnitioning. Companies like DPR Construction, Inc. implemented lighting controls, installed reflective cool roofs and new air systems, increasing efficiency by over 27%. Toyota Motor Sales installed new roofs, improved on insulation, and designed buildings to use natural light most effectively. It has been named the the largest privately developed office building to receive the LEED gold certification.
The government has created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which has a California branch, and is replacing equipment for more efficient systems and has increased energy-efficient building standards by over 35%.
Water treatment can be efficiently maintained saving water, energy and money. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is working to reduce water demand, having cut back about 17% in 2003. The Alpaugh Irrigation District is looking to save money using deep well pumps by $125,000 in its future projections.
Following protection steps, you can save money, energy, and help the environment. To learn more about Flex Your Power or to get involved, visit www.FYPower.org
