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Conservation, while it isn't as flashy as a windmill on the hill or solar panels on the roof, is often the most effective way to reduce energy costs, according to Island contractors who specialize in energy-efficient buildings.

When the city of Naperville says the word "green," it's meant literally. Two inspectors in a green van pulled up to Naperville resident Hank Verbooman's drive one day in December, unloaded their gadgets, and got to work investigating Verbooman's house. They tested for air leaks, searched for energy-burning incandescent light bulbs, and most importantly to Verbooman, verified that his furnace was ...

WASHINGTON, D.C.--Slate readers will join leading experts in the field of energy conservation as well as Slate editors this evening, Wednesday, March 10, at the House of Sweden in Washington, D.C., to brainstorm a variety of compelling, useful, and unconventional ways for Americans to use less energy in their homes and save money.

Surprisingly, it works better than conventional energy-efficiency programs. Energy efficiency has been called the low-hanging fruit for reducing carbon emissions, because it actually pays for itself. But it can be difficult to get people to take simple steps to save energy, and it's hard to maintain those savings over time. For example, people offset the savings from a new efficient refrigerator ...