Resources
Better environmental stewardship begins with education, and PEC is committed to connecting members with resources that make it easier to conserve electricity and make environmentally friendly choices. The following links take you to environmental websites that contain information about renewable energy, conservation and green building/business practices.
Information About Renewable Electricity
- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. This U.S. Department of Energy site promotes clean, reliable and affordable energy-generation sources such as wind and water. The site includes an Energy Savers Blog and educational tools.
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Part of the U.S. Department of Energy, this is the nation’s primary research and development group for renewable energy and energy efficiency. Details on the latest in scientific research in renewable technology can be found here.
- Infinite Power of Texas Renewable Energy Campaign. This campaign was created by the Texas State Energy Conservation Office to promote the adaptation of renewable energy sources. Their website contains details on the renewable-energy sources being used in Texas and has resources for consumers and teachers.
- Energy Kids Page. This U.S. Department of Energy site answers children’s basic questions about energy while stimulating interest in conservation and efficiency with games, puzzles and classroom activities.
Environmentally Friendly Business Practices
- GreenBiz. GreenBiz is an information portal that provides news and resources on green business, sustainable business practices and general environmental information. The company’s goal is to align environmental responsibility with business success.
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is the state’s environmental agency. TCEQ’s mission is to protect natural resources while promoting sustainable economic development. The site features information about the environmental rules and regulations governing Texas businesses.
- American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. The ACEEE promotes energy efficiency to boost economic development and environmental protection. The nonprofit organization produces programs that advance and deploy energy-efficiency technologies, policies, programs and behavior as a means of promoting economic prosperity, energy security and environmental protection.
- Building Energy Codes Program. The U.S. Department of Energy’s BEC Program incorporates expert information from federal government agencies and state and local jurisdictions to promote building codes that maximize energy efficiency. The site offers a wide range of online tools and a help desk where users can get answers to specific questions.
Conservation, Energy Efficiency & Green Building
- DSIRE. The U.S. Department of Energy-funded Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency is a comprehensive online source for information on incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. The website lets users search for federal, state, local and utility incentives.
- ENERGY STAR®. ENERGY STAR® is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that promotes energy-efficient products and practices. Conservation information and tips for consumers and businesses can be found on the website.
- Alliance to Save Energy. The Alliance to Save Energy is a coalition of business, government, environmental and consumer leaders that supports energy efficiency as a path to healthy economies, a cleaner environment and greater energy security. ASE helps research and develop efficiency programs and standards for products and industries.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA works to protect human health and the environment. The website has numerous informational and educational resources about environmental issues and also features an extensive section on green building principles.
- U.S. Green Building Council. The U.S. Green Building Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing green and sustainable building technologies and practices. The USGBC website contains research on green building techniques and information about certification programs.