LEDs, Solar, Green Buildings Drive City Efficiency Gains

Solar power, LED lighting, and efficient building technologies are the most widely used strategies for cities to meet energy efficiency and climate goals, according to a new survey of mayors of U.S. cities.

The survey polled 178 mayors, with 91% of respondents choosing the three selections as “most promising” among emerging efficiency technologies. The survey’s authors noted that of the remaining 9%, nearly all noted at least one if not two of the three top picks, meaning that almost all respondents shared one of the three as a top priority.

The most popular focus area was found to be LED installation, with 41% of respondents noting it as a top priority, followed by solar power (18%) and energy-efficient buildings (17%). The survey also found that funding issues was the most commonly mentioned challenge to implementing energy-efficient projects, with budget and funding limitations noted by 67% of respondents.