Energy efficiency and conservation are strategies that help reduce energy consumption in a home or business. Energy efficiency means using technology that requires less energy to perform the same function or applies methods to reduce the wasting of energy; energy conservation is any behavior that results in the use of less energy. Energy efficient products include LED light bulbs, insulation, weather stripping, caulking, and EnergyStar appliances. Energy conservation practices include prudent heat and air conditioning settings, turning off or dimming light bulbs, and using power strips.
Many energy efficiency measures for homes or businesses are eligible for federal and state incentives as well as low-interest financing. If you meet income requirements, you may qualify for a no-cost home energy assessment and additional incentives for qualifying energy-saving services.
Achievements to Date
- From 2010-March 31, 2023, 25% of Fairfield homes received a professional energy audit, of which 30% redeemed a residential energy efficiency rebate; 41% of Fairfield businesses participated in one or more state energy efficiency programs
- Energy use and related data in all major municipal and school buildings (i.e., K-12 schools, Town halls and administrative offices, police and fire stations, libraries, wastewater treatment facility, DPW garages and other municipal buildings using at least 5,000 kilowatt-hours per year) has been tracked and entered into ENERGYSTAR Portfolio Manager database
- Town facilities and schools reduced their energy consumption by 14% from the earliest year of energy benchmarking to 2020 (benchmarking began in different years for different buildings)
- Sullivan Independence Hall achieved an energy score in the top 25% of comparable buildings throughout the US and is in the process of being certified as an Energy Star rated building
- In 2015-16, the Sustainable Fairfield Task Force (SFTF) gave away more than 2,000 LED bulbs to residents at events
Challenges Ahead
- Town residents and businesses may be less likely to move beyond “low-hanging fruit” energy-saving measures and adopt measures with longer payback periods
- Homeowners typically choose not to spend capital on energy efficiency retrofits, choosing instead renovations based on appearance, amenities, convenience and comfort
- Rebates, incentives and tax credits may decrease over time.
- Increased use of plug-in devices counter savings achieved through energy efficiency measures
- Some residents, particularly those already experiencing housing insecurity or renters, have greater barriers to undertaking home renovations or upgrades despite the benefits and incentives involved. Education and outreach will be performed to ensure that energy efficiency opportunities are available to all residents.
Benefits of Energy Efficiency and Conservation
- Significantly reduces electricity costs and increases property value
- Improves indoor comfort and reduces moisture issues (mold, leaks, condensation)
- Protects air quality and public health
- Reduces greenhouse gas and harmful emissions
- Enhances energy stability and security
2030 Plan Goals
- Adopt Energy and Asset Management Performance Contract that will include ASHRAE level 2 audits, implementation of Building Energy Management System, reduction of peak power demand and upgrading of all lighting and HVAC equipment
- Maintain energy benchmarking of major municipal and school buildings in ENERGYSTAR Portfolio Manager
- Achieve EnergyStar qualifying status for at least five municipal or school facilities
- Increase participation in energy audits, residential rebates and commercial programs by 1% annually
- Implement annual school energy conservation challenge
- 100% of Town buildings with “net zero” energy import from utility
- 80% of all Fairfield homes and businesses with net zero energy import
How Do We Reach Our Goals?
- Conduct education and outreach about energy efficiency opportunities and resources for residents and businesses
- Train Town facility maintenance and general staff to optimize energy efficiency savings through behavioral changes
- Implement energy-saving campaigns in community and schools
- Leverage federal and state incentives and low-interest financing