Sustainability has become quite a buzz word as of late. During the last recession, many small and large businesses alike looked for ways to reduce costs and, where possible, increase profits. One of the most obvious ways was to focus on efficiency by reducing overhead, manufacturing and transportation costs. In fact, a trend has emerged where many of these companies have actually become more profitable even with declining sales. This is due to a focus on reducing waste and increasing efficiency which is a big part of what sustainability is all about.

Insulation offers a wide variety of benefits from increased energy efficiency to soundproofing. It makes buildings more comfortable while preserving vital resources by reducing the need for heating and cooling.

A common question is which kind of insulation is the best. The answer depends on a number of factors like climate, availability, accessibility and pricing.

As an author for EcoEvaluator.com, I have the opportunity to work from home most of the time. I recently upgraded my old desktop computer to a laptop. I also replaced my seriously outdated monitor with a new ENERGY STAR LED monitor. I decided to run a little experiment on the efficiency of my new equipment vs. the old stuff using a Kilowatt meter. I was amazed to discover a 70% decrease in energy usage. This is mostly due to the monitor replacement. Most laptops, though, are designed to be energy efficient because they have to run on batteries.

As fuel prices continue to climb, we're all looking for ways to reduce our spending on transportation. Use of public transportation, carpooling or telecommuting is becoming more and more attractive. Though for many, these options may not be feasible due to various circumstances. For those of you needing other alternatives to reduce your gas expenditure, the U.S. Department of Energy website, www.fueleconomy.gov, offers a bunch of credible information pertaining to your fuel efficiency.

Here are a number of different ways to make your home green. Ideas range from energy efficiency to eco-friendly household products. Your home can exist harmoniously with the environment while being a healthy and safe place for you and your family.

In 2000, the Chicago Board of Trade was hit with a power outage. Although that blackout only lasted for one hour, it created $20 trillion in delayed trades. We may think that blackouts aren’t a big concern to us personally since they don’t happen often. As our population and consumption of energy continue to increase, though, the constraints of the current electricity infrastructure are becoming more and more apparent.

Have you ever heard of a LEED certification? It is actually an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is an internationally recognized green building certification system. Green buildings refer to structures that have eco-friendly materials and designs. Old buildings, if not updated, consume huge amounts of energy and water resources. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reducing the rate of consumption of these buildings is vital for future sustainability.

The federal tax credit is in effect for furnaces purchased in 2009 and 2010. If the unit is installed in your principal residence between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010, you can qualify for a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost (including installation/labor costs). Tax credit is available in 2010 with the maximum of $1,500 for both years combined (ONLY for existing homes, NOT new construction, which is your principal residence).

Federal tax credits are in effect for 2009 and 2010. The purchase of a new central air conditioner may qualify for a credit. It must be installed in your principal residence between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. The unit may qualify for a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost (including installation/labor costs), up to $1,500 for 2009 and 2010 combined. Tax credits are available in 2010 (ONLY for existing homes, NOT new construction, which is your principal residence).

The energy performance of all ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors and skylights must be independently tested and certified according to test procedures established by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).

NFRC is a third-party non-profit organization that sponsors certified rating and labeling to help consumers compare the performance of windows, doors and skylights. NFRC does not distinguish between “good” and “bad” windows, set minimum performance standards, or mandate performance levels. This is where ENERGY STAR comes in. ENERGY STAR enables consumers to easily identify NFRC-certified products with superior energy performance.