Key Green Principles

Reducing dependence on fossil fuels can take on many forms and can be done in a variety of places, such as the home or the workplace, through transportation, and more. As an individual, and particularly a homeowner, you can use many methods to reduce fossil fuel usage. These methods, or “green principles,” fall into the five important categories below.

· Energy Efficiency/Conservation
· Water Conservation
· Resource Conservation
· Livable Communities
· Improved Air Quality
· Light Reduction
Be Empowered with these helpful Resource Conservation Guides for your Home and Business

Energy Efficiency/Conservation Energy efficiency and energy conservation are two similar, but different, methods of reducing overall energy usage. Energy efficiency means achieving lower energy use through specific steps, such as installing appliances, equipment, or lighting that uses less energy. For instance, replacing your current refrigerator with an ENERGY STAR refrigerator would be an energy-efficient move. Energy conservation, on the other hand, means changing your behavior in order to save energy, such as turning off unnecessary lights and using your air conditioner/heater less frequently. By finding ways to conserve energy and become energy efficient, you can not only reduce energy bills, but also decrease the need to generate electricity. Did You Know? Replacing standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can save 75 percent of lighting costs Find Appliance Rebates! Upgrading or Replacing your Applicances? Check to see if there are EnergyStar Rebates or programs available in your area. Click Rebate Finder

Water Conservation

Water conservation means a reduction in water loss, water waste, and water use. Taking measures to reduce water usage ensures that water will be available for future generations. Additionally, water facilities, such as water pumping, delivery, and waste treatment facilities, consume a tremendous amount of energy; reducing water usage also means a reduction in energy usage. Within residential and commercial buildings, water conservation can be accomplished by installing items such as low-flush toilets, faucet aerators, low-flow shower heads, and more
Learn More: (1) Top Tips from DWP; ; (2) Weather Based Irrigations Controllers

Helpful Tips: (1) Using Water Checklist; (2) How to Optimize Your Irrigation Water Schedule

Property Owners and Buyers “Going green” and “green living” are terms thrown around a lot these days. Before you start looking for a home that’s “green,” it’s important to understand what that means. A “green” home can mean different things to different people: For some, it means having improved air quality, while for others it’s a home that is more energy-efficient. A “green home” distinction is only available through a third-party rating certification, such as LEED® or GreenPoint Rated

Reducing/Minimizing Your Carbon Footprint

Sometimes, in order to decrease the amount of energy you consume, it’s important to know just how much you and your family use. Energy or Carbon Footprint calculators can help you determine how much energy you consume on a regular basis. With most carbon calculators you can calculate how much energy you consume overall, or have it broken down by transportation, home, personal emissions, and more. Many Web sites offer carbon calculators. Here are some of the most useful ones:

Santa Clarita Valley Community Resources