You know you want to make your home more energy-efficient, but you've been dragging your feet because, well, where exactly to start?

The best first step is to figure out what you're working with by conducting a home energy audit. Basically, you want to know how much energy you're currently using and where you're using it, in order to know where to take action. Are the windows really drafty? Are you using Energy Star-approved appliances? Do you only vaguely remember your vents being cleaned once, years ago?

You can choose to have a professional go through your home for you, or the audit can be done pretty easily by yourself.

Exhausto, a company specializing in ventilation and air flow products is looking for companies to trial their new CAS 8002 chimney automation system.

The trial will take place between summer 2007 and summer 2008 has a goal of helping the participating companies reduce their energy costs.

More energy saving tips for the workplace can be found here.

Florida Power & Light has introduced it's new Build Smart program as a way to encourage builders to adhere to energy efficient guidelines in exchange for the Build Smart certification.

Partnering with FPL on this project is Build Smart for Humanity. Their goal is to help educate homeowners to ways that they can lower their power consumption and their electric bills, and help Habitat for Humanity construct energy efficient homes for thier clients as well.

The program is highlighted in a recent Sun Sentinel article promoting its benefits.

Homeowners can find similar resources at the following links:
10 Tips for Saving Energy
Energy Saving Products

The European Union plans raise the share of renewable energy sources to 20 percent, and increase energy efficiency by 20 percent, all by 2020. To help achieve these goals, a push is being made for the use of energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

What to look for before you buy CFLs.