This document outlines a 6 step process for reducing energy use and gaining energy independence: 1. Determine current energy usage and how it compares to others to identify opportunities. 2. Take advantage of passive solar energy and landscaping techniques to reduce heating and cooling needs. 3. Replace inefficient equipment with more efficient models that use less energy for the same output. 4. Automate energy-intensive tasks to improve efficiency over human control. 5. Make behavioral changes like turning off lights when not in use and maintaining equipment properly. 6. Once energy use is reduced, invest in renewable energy sources like solar, wind and methane digesters.

1. reduced, Generation through solar, wind and
6 Steps to Energy Efficiency
How Do You Stack Up?
Behavioral Changes
Efficient Equipment
Automation
Renewables
HOW DO YOU STACK UP?
The first step in reducing energy use is to determine how much energy you are using now – for what
functions – and how this use compares with others. The analysis will reveal opportunities. This
review can be completed by you or by contracting a professional.
PASSIVE OPPORTUNITIES
The Sun is the greatest source of energy known to man. There are
many proven techniques to capture, store and use the radiation from
the Sun for space heating and liquid heating. The strategic placement
of trees and shrubs can have a material effect on heating and
ventilation as well as odor control.
This diagram is a proven learning tool designed to guide rural residents and especially those
involved in agriculture on the steps needed to reduce energy use and gain energy independence.
It intended to be used as an instructional guide, a gauge of progress and a method of how to
proceed from step to step.
Passive Opportunities
NCEP, © 2013
EFFICIENT EQUIPMENT
This ladder step deals with analysis and possible replacement
your existing equipment. The goal is to accomplish more or
the same output with reduced energy input.
AUTOMATION
This step revolves around replacing our efforts
to control various energy consuming tasks with
an automated system that never forgets.
BEHAVORIAL CHANGES
Low hanging fruit. How can your daily activities affect energy use? Do you
run lights when not needed? Are your thermostat and sensors cleaned on a
maintenance schedule? Is your equipment maintained for efficiency?
RENEWABLES
Once all other steps are complete
and energy use is reduced, power
generation through solar, wind and
methane digesters are good long
term investments in energy
independence.