Energy Efficiency in the United States

Energy efficiency in buildings is crucial for climate change mitigation. Both national and state mandates increase energy efficiency, but most energy efficiency mandates in the United States are at the state level. The federal government mandates that its new buildings be energy efficient, and assists in the creation and implementation of energy-efficient building codes. The federal government also subsidizes energy efficiency, often through the tax code. State energy efficiency policy includes building codes, utility-run programs, and other incentives. Every state has some utility-run programs, and state utility regulation either requires or incentivizes energy efficiency programs. There are significant differences in utility-run programs among the states. Some states have minimal and ineffective programs, while other states like California and Massachusetts have transformative efforts, often led by utilities whose profits depend on reducing total energy usage. There are also private energy efficiency efforts, including private building standards like LEED and Green Globes