What You Should Know

New Yorkers, who have generally smaller living spaces and access to outstanding public transportation, already tend to have lower carbon footprints than many people living in more rural or suburban environments.  Still, there are many things we can do differently to reduce our energy usage.  In many cases, small changes in daily habit can lead to large energy savings.  Better yet, lowering your energy consumption can help you to save quite a bit of money.  Reducing heating/cooling costs by better preparing for different temperatures, using only the lights you need, and monitoring your electrical appliances can go a long way towards reducing your energy bills and the impact you have on the environment.  

 How You Can Help 

• Dress warmly in the winter and wear light clothing during the summer to minimize heater and air-conditioner usage.  Use your blinds or curtains to let sun and heat in on cool days and to keep it out on hotter days.
• Only turn on the lights you need.  Use natural lighting whenever possible and make sure to turn off all your lights when leaving a room or leaving your house.  Using a smaller light such as a desk lamp in an area where you need it can reduce the need for overheard lighting of an entire room.
• Shop carefully. Look for energy efficient models when purchasing appliances.  When buying decorative lights such as Christmas lights, look for L.E.D.s which have a far longer lifespan and use less electricity than incandescent lights.  Also look for energy efficient lightbulbs (such as fluorescent bulbs) that last longer and consume less energy.  In the long run, these energy-saving purchases will save you money because of their increased efficiency.  
• Turn off energy-draining equipment such as desktop computers, televisions, and copy and fax machines when they are not in use.  Many appliances continue to use energy while plugged in even when they are turned off.  Whenever you can, unplug electrical equipment when you leave your house or apartment.
• You may find different ways to save energy depending on the season.  Columbia's Facilities Department offers some tips on how to conserve energy specifically during summer and winter.

 Additional Information

• The United States Department of Energy provides a 'quick clicks' section with advice for students, consumer, and employees—roles we all fill at one time or another.
• At 'The Power of Green', ConEdison has devoted an entire website to conserving energy and saving money through your use of power in a home or business.  
• The government's Energy Star program provides a comprehensive rating system that can help you to decide where to buy more efficient appliances and electronics.