In pursuit of energy independence: The other energy solution

Waste by design

The energy crisis of the 1970s precipitated a transformation in the auto industry: large gas guzzlers were replaced by small, efficient cars. Fuel efficiency in miles per gallon rose sharply, reducing demand for expensive gasoline, thereby lowering dependence on imported oil.

Yet, as oil prices rise the discussion today has focused primarily on how to solve the supply problem in energy, i.e., how to produce more oil, natural gas, coal, and even renewables. No talk yet about how to use less, how to cut energy waste, increase efficiency, redesign for energy productivity, and embrace demand reduction - the other energy solution critical to energy independence. The statistics on energy waste are staggering. In 2015, I spoke on Energy Day at COP21 in Paris, quoting from Professor Mara Prentiss's new book, The Energy Revolution. Of the 100 quadrillion BTUs of...