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.
