Solar panels. Image: Flickr, Oregon Department of Transportation
By Morgan Linn
Illinois was just ranked as one of the most improved states in terms of energy efficiency.
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recently released the ninth edition of its State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. It ranks states based on the energy efficiency of their policies and programs and suggests ways that they can improve.
Massachusetts was ranked first for the fourth year in a row; North Dakota came in last. The results of the report are also displayed on a map which details each state’s ranking and score.
Each state is given a score out of 50 points based on:
- Utility and public benefits programs and policies (20 points)
- Transportation policies (10 points)
- Building energy codes (7 points)
- Policies encouraging combined heat and power systems (4 points)
- State government—led initiatives around energy efficiency (7 points)
- Appliance and equipment standards (2 points)
Great Lakes states lead the way in several areas. Illinois is the second most improved state behind Maryland. It gained points in all policy categories except appliance and equipment standards. It received all points possible for building energy codes and compliance.
New York, Illinois, and Minnesota lead the country in state government initiatives; New York leads the way in energy-efficient transportation.
The report also shows how states have changed. Since 2014, 17 states have gained points, 27 states and two territories have lost points and eight states haven’t changed.
In the Great Lakes region, four states gained and four states lost points. Wisconsin lost in all but state government initiatives and appliance and equipment standards. It would have to upgrade building codes and promote efficient transportation systems to improve its score.
Great Lakes states ranks and links to their individual reports: New York: 9th with 32.5 points (a loss of 2.5 points) Illinois: 10th, 31 points (gain of 4) Minnesota: 10th, 31 points (gain of 2) Michigan: 14th, 23.5 points (loss of 2.5) Pennsylvania: 17th, 22 points (gain of 1.5) Wisconsin: 22nd, 18 points (loss of 3.5) Ohio: 27th, 15.5 points (loss of 1.5) Indiana: 38th, 11 points (gain of 0.5).
The scores are meant to encourage states to find ways to become more energy efficient. Doing so increases economic growth, energy-security and environmental benefits, the report says.
For a summary of ACEEE’s findings, click here. For the full report, register for free here.