Connecting & Activating Vermont Communities

Energy Efficiency & Conservation

The cheapest, cleanest energy is that which you don’t use. Energy efficiency is the fastest-growing, most abundant, and lowest-cost energy resource available in the United States today. Efficiency saves consumers money by lowering energy bills, reduces greenhouse emissions that contribute to global warming, and spurs local economic development with green, in-state jobs.

Communities can initiate a wide range of activities to help local residents, businesses, institutions, and local governments and schools reduce energy usage through efficiency and conservation. To view all publications we have on energy efficiency and conservation, click HERE.

Initiatives and Programs

Button Up Vermont

Stay warm and save money this season with energy-saving solutions. Button Up Vermont is a statewide effort to cut energy use and keep families warm and healthy.

Read more

Municipal Energy Resources

Your community can maximize resources and recommendations for working with municipalities to support investments in cost-saving and fossil fuel-reducing projects.

Read more

Thermal Efficiency Efforts

The thermal sector is Vermont’s second largest source of emissions. Learn about community weatherization projects, municipal and residential thermal efficiency success stories, and more.

Read more

Window Dressers

WindowDressers brings community volunteers together to make low-cost insulating window inserts that function as custom, interior-mounted storm windows to increase comfort and cut carbon.

Read more

Mow Electric!

The Mow Electric! Campaign is a grassroots initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create more livable communities through the use of electric lawn care equipment.

Read more

Vermont Energy Saver

Learn about ways you may be able to more efficiently heat and cool your home or business, save money, increase comfort and get the best return on investment.

Read more

Success Story:

Hand Home in Manchester, VT

James Hand’s 1940s home was using  1,100 gallons of oil each year, so in 2009 he hired a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® contractor through Efficiency Vermont. The contractor performed a comprehensive energy audit on his home and, shortly thereafter, undertook the recommended improvements.

The improvements were:

  1. Adding foam insulation to box sills and the full length of basement walls
  2. Applying 20 inches of cellulose insulation throughout the entire attic
  3. Air-sealing throughout the home, tested with a blower door.

The total project cost was $8,277. These improvements reduced the air leakage in his home by 38% and dramatically reduced his heating bill. Before the project, he was spending $3,970 for heating, after saving 670 gallons a year he only spends $1,548 an annual savings of $2,422.

Read more about this project on the Community Energy Dashboard Hand Home in Manchester, VT.

Read this full story View all succcess stories

Efficiency Vermont

We can assist you in making efficiency improvements, and help you pay for them. You'll save money and help save the home we share. Get Started Saving Energy Read more

NeighborWorks H.E.A.T Squad

HEAT Squad is a service of NeighborWorks of Western Vermont. Read more

Vermont Interfaith Power & Light

Vermont Interfaith Power & Light (VTIPL) works to help members of Vermont's faith and spiritual communities understand that the climate crisis which is threatening the world is, at heart, a spiritual crisis. Read more

Low Income Weatherization, Office of Economic Opportunity

The Weatherization Program helps lower-income residents — particularly older Vermonters, people with disabilities, and families with children — to save fuel and money by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. Read more

Department of Public Service

Energy efficiency resources are often less expensive than the equivalent supply resources. State policy for least cost energy planning therefore highlights efficiency as a key tool to meet the state's energy needs in the most cost-effective manner. Read more

VT Superintendents Association, Energy Efficiency Assistance for schools

The School Energy Management Program (VSA-SEMP) has been helping Vermont k-12 public and private schools with their energy issues since 1993. Read more

Energy Star

EPA's ENERGY STAR program stands alone as the most successful voluntary energy efficiency movement in history. To save energy and protect the environment, the simple choice is ENERGY STAR. Read more

Renewable Energy Vermont

Our membership is continually broadening, reflecting a shared perspective that renewable energy is the best solution building a clean, sustainable and secure energy future. Read more

Burlington Electric Department (BED)

Serving Burlington, Vermont's energy needs in a safe, reliable, affordable, and socially responsible manner. Read more

Vermont Gas (VGS)

We provide a clean, affordable and reliable energy choice to over 50,000 families, businesses and institutions in Chittenden, Franklin and Addison Counties. Read more