As we begin a new year, we are excited to kick off January with National Cut Your Energy Costs Day. In the spirit of environmental stewardship, this day encourages us to reflect on energy usage, explore efficiency, and make a collective commitment to a greener future.
A Commitment to Energy Innovation
At the heart of the VTCRC lies a commitment to innovation that extends beyond groundbreaking research and development. We recognize the crucial role sustainability plays in shaping a resilient future. National Cut Your Energy Costs Day provides the opportunity to shed light on initiatives that make the VTCRC a clean energy champion.
Renewable Energy Integration
As part of our dedication to a sustainable future, the VTCRC continues to explore renewable energy sources. VTCRC is leading the charge with hydrogen initiatives in Hampton Roads, Virginia at Tech Center Research Park. These initiatives contribute to reducing our environmental impact and set the stage for a more resilient and sustainable energy grid.
Collaborative Engagement
Sustainability is a collective effort, and at the VTCRC, collaboration is at the core of our approach. We actively engage with our community to foster a culture of energy consciousness. From organizing workshops with Dominion Energy to our involvement with hydrogen in Newport News, we believe that collective awareness leads to impactful change.
Research for a Sustainable Tomorrow
Researchers at the VTCRC are actively involved in projects that seek to address global energy challenges. Our community is contributing to the development of solutions that can transform the energy landscape.
Take Action: Empowering Individuals for a Greener Tomorrow
On National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, we encourage our community to assess their energy usage and explore ways to make a positive impact. Simple actions can collectively contribute to significant energy savings.
The U.S. Department of Energy suggests the following practices to save energy and money:
- Save money on fuel and increase vehicle fuel efficiency. You can simply change your driving habits, use a different type of fuel, or purchase a more fuel efficient vehicle.
- Install a programmable thermostat. You can save approximately 10% or more annually on heating and cooling costs by turning back the thermostat overnight or when you are not home.
- Check for air leaks and replace caulking or weatherstripping.
- Ensure that your attic is properly insulated.
- Seal and insulate foundation walls of unventilated crawlspaces. You should also check for moisture.
- Landscape with water conservation in mind. Optimize water coverage and ensure there are no leaks in sprinkler systems.
- Maintain 120 degrees on your water heater and install a hot water heater insulating blanket.
- Ensure that all appliances are Energy Star rated.
- Unplug appropriate electronics when not in use.
By embracing a mindset of continuous improvement, we can create a more resilient, sustainable, and energy-efficient future.