Local governments can save and even earn money by investing in community energy. Some economic benefits include:

• A New Revenue Source
• Energy Savings
• Job Creation and Economic Spin-offs
• Savings in non-energy costs

Local governments have a profound effect on energy use through the decisions they make every day, particularly in the area of land use.

• Long-term Decisions Every Day
• Influence over Energy
• Land-use, Energy, and Transportation

One local government taking action is just the start.  Impacts can be multiplied by engaging others. Some ways to engage others include:

• Engage the Community
• Engage Local Governments
• Engage Municipal Groups
• Engage Senior Government

Actions that affect the community often have the greatest long term cost saving, environmental improvement, and livability improvement benefits.  Community action includes:

• Land Use
• Transportation Alternatives
• Vehicle Efficiency
• Building Efficiency and Local Energy

Government operations are a great place to start saving money and energy. Some of the most signficant opportunity areas available to most local governments are:

• Civic Buildings
• Civic Fleet
• Waste and Infrastructure
• Offsets

The Community Energy Association is committed to raising awareness of the benefits that communities can capture from sustainable energy opportunities.  The Community Energy Association presents to councils, local government staff, industry meetings, and workshops.  Below are recent presentations.

A first step in connecting communities, energy, and sustainability involves setting a direction.  Specifc actions involved in setting a direction include:

• Form a Team
• Commit to a Process
• Set a Target
• Make a Plan

Winners and applications for the Energy & Climate Action Awards, 1998 - 2009.