Energy

Texas ranks 6th in the nation for energy consumption per capita. The demand for energy use is growing across North Texas with the ever-increasing population. In order to reduce energy consumption and increase energy efficiency, entities must evaluate their energy usage. Below are tools, resources, and case studies to support local governments, educational institutions, and public and private entities’ efforts to implement programs to reduce energy use and increase energy efficiency in the public and private sector.


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This program connects families needing essential household upgrades to programs and incentives that can help get your Whole Home ready to handle our changing climate. These improvements may be available to you for free or at a reduced cost, potentially decreasing energy costs and improving quality of life for many Dallas residents.
Basic
The Simply Sustainable Denton website is a hub for the city’s Simply Sustainable: A Framework for Denton’s Future plan. The plan was updated in 2020 and outlines eight different focus areas along with comprehensive goals and strategies that aim for a more sustainable community. The update to Simply Sustainable includes new strategies based on best practices, STAR Communities/ LEED for Cities goals and community feedback. The Vision and Guiding Principles remained the same moving forward, while the focus areas and goals expanded to include additional strategies to further the city's sustainability as a community.
Intermediate
The Climate Showcase Communities program showcases communities that are undertaking pilot projects to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas pollution while saving money.
Develop and implement a Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan for the City of Dallas, tackling climate change, waste and recycling, water conservation, air and storm water enforcement through community engagement.
The Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities (DFWCC) Coalition is part of a national network of coalitions created by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and seeks to lead the region in petroleum and emissions reduction to improve air quality and increase energy security in the transportation sector.

The 16-block Cherry Creek North retail district was designed to be Denver's premier outdoor shopping area utilizing smart and efficient landscape techniques and sustainable features. The new streetscape preserves the district's history and character, improves identity, beautifies the area, provides new lighting, improves signage, and adds beneficial connectivity for residents.

The DOE SunShot Initiative accelerates the affordability of solar energy through research and development with public and private partners.
ENERGY STAR makes energy efficiency simple by certifying energy-efficient products and new homes and by offering recommendations on how to save energy at home, in commercial buildings, and at plants.
Energy Star Portfolio Manager measures energy usage, water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of buildings.
ENERGY STAR Score for K-12 Schools assesses the energy performance of K-12 schools relative to their peers.
Energy Systems Laboratory provides innovative research on energy use, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction.
Advanced
The Environmental Defense Fund preserves natural systems through innovative solutions in the areas of climate & energy, oceans, ecosystems, and health.
The Energy Efficiency for Water Utilities Factsheet is designed to assist water and wastewater treatment providers in addressing the water-energy nexus, or energy usage within water utility operations. The factsheet provides resources and opportunities for energy savings among water utilities across all stages of operation.
Intermediate

ECO Modern Flats is a 96-unit multifamily rental project on a 2.9-acre site in Fayetteville, Arkansas, home to the University of Arkansas. The rental project includes both sustainable design and wellness features and has been targeted to an underserved rental market of young professionals 20 to 30 years of age.

The Federal Green Challenge (FGC) is a national effort under the EPA’s Sustainable Materials Management Program which challenges the EPA and other federal agencies throughout the country to lead by example in reducing the federal government's environmental impact. It furthers the goals of the President’s Executive Order Regarding Efficient Federal Operations.
Intermediate
Go Solar Texas compiles key resources for Texans interested in learning more about going solar, and has Texas-specific resources on best management practices for local governments to increase access to solar.
Basic
Green Globes certifies sustainable high-performance buildings while providing customized guidance throughout the process.
Advanced
The Green Infrastructure Funding Opportunities page provide information on federal funding opportunities and funding tools for green infrastructure projects.
Intermediate
The Green Infrastructure Modeling Tools model the impacts of green infrastructure on watersheds, air quality, and energy consumption.
Advanced
The Green Power Partnership (GPP) is a voluntary EPA program that encourages the voluntary use of green power as a means of accelerating the growth of the U.S. renewable energy market.
Intermediate
Home Energy Saver allows users to identify ways to increase energy efficiency at home.
Basic
The Home Energy Score helps homeowners to understand their home's energy performance and how to improve it cost-effectively.
Intermediate
The Home Energy Yardstick assesses a home's annual energy use compared to similar homes and offers recommendations on how to improve energy efficiency and lower utility bills.
Intermediate