energy conservation

Keep Cool Like a Wonk

Keep Cool Like a Wonk


From the Desk of the Executive Director I recently came back from a short trip to the UK (to attend my sister-in-law’s wedding), where the temperatures were much milder. Hot, humid, and uncomfortable late into the day seems to be most days in VA currently and is definitely what hit me as I stepped read more...

Solar, Solar, Solar, but Reduce First!

Solar, Solar, Solar, but Reduce First!


From the Desk of the Executive Director It is starting to get warmer out, and my rooftop solar production is high! If the warm weather has got you thinking about solar energy too, our Solarize campaign is live in Northern Virginia and around the corner in the Piedmont region. But, this year we are read more...

The Intersection of Affordable Housing and Home Energy Efficiency

The Intersection of Affordable Housing and Home Energy Efficiency


by Chris Meyer, LEAP Executive Director I’m now a couple of weeks into my role as the Executive Director at LEAP – diving into the energy efficiency world with gusto. The more I’ve been learning about energy efficiency, the more I’ve seen how it is linked to solving two problems many cities in Virginia read more...

Easy New Year’s Energy Resolutions

Easy New Year’s Energy Resolutions


About 40% of U.S. adults make New Year’s resolutions and a popular one is to spend less and save more. These simple energy resolutions can help make a dent in your energy bill and best of all these actions are largely one time actions. With about half of New Year’s resolutions abandoned by June, read more...

Water Conservation is Energy Conservation

Water Conservation is Energy Conservation


Conserving our limited water supplies is always a good idea, but did you know there is also a direct connection between water and energy use? Delivering water and wastewater services is an energy-intensive effort, as the water is treated, pumped to our homes and businesses, then pumped to wastewater facilities to be treated again. read more...

Simple Energy Efficiency for Renters

Simple Energy Efficiency for Renters


Being a renter doesn’t mean giving up on energy efficiency. If you rent, you may pay your energy bills directly or they may be factored into the monthly rent. Either way, implementing these simple ideas will save energy and make your home more comfortable. If you pay the electricity bill, you’ll see some cost read more...

Improving Efficiency of Your Wood Burning Fireplace

Improving Efficiency of Your Wood Burning Fireplace


As cozy as they are, fireplaces typically remove more heat from a house than they contribute, sending up to eight percent of heat pump or furnace-warmed air up and out the chimney. But you don’t have to abandon your wood-burning ambiance–try these solutions that can improve the efficiency of your fireplace. Check Damper First, read more...

Lower Your Baseload Energy Consumption

Lower Your Baseload Energy Consumption


  Did you know that approximately half of your annual utility bill comes from heating and cooling your home? Fortunately, in the spring and fall, you generally don’t have to heat or cool your home, so your overall utility bills will be lower compared to the summer and winter months. During these “shoulder seasons,” read more...

The Link Between Water and Energy Conservation

The Link Between Water and Energy Conservation


This article first appeared in the Daily Progress. Did you know that energy is needed to filter and treat the water we consume and then pump it into our homes and businesses? Additionally, energy is needed to heat water for cooking, bathing, and washing. Consequently, when we conserve water we also conserve energy. The read more...