With changes to the political, social, and economic undercurrents of our society, the landscape of energy efficiency is constantly shifting. The industry is now largely recognized for its demand-side solution to conserve energy, save natural and financial resources, and build career opportunities. The numbers don’t lie; energy efficiency is by far the most cost-effective energy solution out there and the region’s demand for energy is flattening out as more energy efficiency practices take hold. These positive aspects of energy efficiency have caught the eyes of recent college graduates who see the energy efficiency industry as promising, innovative, and full of opportunity.
Like many of today’s hot industries, energy efficiency companies seek young professionals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. Degrees in engineering, marketing, political science, economics, and public policy, to name a few, are good stepping stones for breaking into the efficiency industry. NEEP, and other organizations like it, have given young professionals the opportunity to branch out and find their passion within energy efficiency. A quick search of current job opportunities reveals positions in research, marketing and product development – the list goes on but it’s clear that there’s something for everyone. Continue reading
The saying, “you only have one chance to make a first impression” has never been so true than for the CFL. When the highly efficient light bulb was first introduced into the market two decades ago, even the most die-hard energy efficiency experts would agree the technology was probably not ready for prime time. The light output was low and the bulbs took a long time to “warm up”. Those first versions of CFL bulbs left the market frustrated. Since then, through many upgrades to the CFL bulb, the market still holds a grudge. Many are not willing to admit that the CFL of today is a completely new generation of technology that far surpasses the bulb of yesteryear. 
The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions are seeing unprecedented savings in electricity and natural gas use, thanks to a combined commitment to invest over $2.5 billion dollars in energy efficiency through 2013, according to NEEP’s second annual
The DesignLights™ Consortium (DLC), a project managed by NEEP, announced this week the addition of eleven new commercial SSL luminaire categories to its Qualified Products List (QPL). The QPL now lists products in thirty categories. New featured categories include Flood and Spot Lighting, Stairwell and Passageway Lighting, as well as eight retrofit kit categories. The new DLC Category Specifications take effect immediately. 
