
Read the latest from the Evergreen team.
Every industry does it. We use words that mean so much to us that we don’t realize that they’re meaningless to the rest of the world. This series - Energy Efficiency Buzzwords De-Buzzed– attempts to change that. Have a “green” word or phrase you want de-buzzed? Let us know and we’ll add it to the series!
Today’s buzzword: Building Envelope
Every industry does it. We use words that mean so much to us that we don’t realize that they’re meaningless to the rest of the world. This series - Energy Efficiency Buzzwords De-Buzzed– attempts to change that. Have a “green” word or phrase you want de-buzzed? Let us know and we’ll add it to the series!
Today’s buzzword: Home Performance
This winter’s record-low fuel prices are adding up to big savings – and big opportunities – for Maine families. Experts predict that households heating primarily with oil can expect to save an average of $1200 this year, and recommend that homeowners take advantage of the chance to lock in those energy savings for every year.
The graph below shows which structural air-leaks drive up energy costs the most, allowing you to maximize efforts toward reinforcing your home's building envelope.

Maine held steady as the nation’s 16th most energy-efficient state, according to ACEEE’s 2014 State Energy Scorecard.
When it comes to insulation, there are plenty of choices. Where to start? What to use? Who to hire? The answers vary from house to house – and from homeowner to homeowner – but if you work with someone you trust, you’ll be in good shape.
Energy efficiency isn’t just for the winter! Here are six tips to keep you cool – and save energy – on hot summer days:
Remember that fans cool people, not rooms. There’s no doubt about it: air moving across your skin keeps you cool, whether the breeze comes from Mother Nature or an electric fan. But fans ONLY make a difference when you’re there to feel them, so turn them off when you’re not in the room.