BOSTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is challenging communities across New England to examine their energy use, improve energy efficiency, adopt renewable-energy options that both reduce air pollution and save money, and promote energy efficiency and renewable energy to local companies.
“Energy efficiency and renewable energy sources are important … because they save money, cut pollution and reduce strain on energy resources,” said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of the EPA’s New England Office.
For many cities and towns in the region, energy costs are second only to those for personnel, the EPA estimates, yet about 30 percent of energy used in public and commercial buildings is wasted. Energy use also is the leading source of air pollution in New England and the nation. So improving energy efficiency saves money and helps protect the environment.
Communities that take part in the New England Community Energy Challenge will be provided with free assistance including Web-based training in benchmarking and energy management, technical support and tracking of their progress.
Notable activities and improvements in efficiency will win national EPA recognition.
Additional information, including challenge sign-up forms, is available at www.epa.gov/ne.
