Saving energy through energy efficiency improve- ments can cost less than generating, transmitting, and distributing energy from power plants, and provides multiple economic and environmental benefits. Energy savings can reduce operating costs for local govern- ments, freeing up resources for additional investments in energy efficiency and other priorities. Energy efficiency can also help reduce air pollution and GHG emissions, improve energy security and independence, and create jobs. Local governments can promote energy efficiency in their jurisdictions by improving the efficiency of municipal facilities and operations and encouraging energy efficiency improvements in their residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The energy efficiency guides in this series describe the process of developing and implementing strategies, using real-world examples, for improving energy efficiency in local government operations (see the guides on local government operations, energy efficiency in K-12 schools, energy-efficient product procure- ment, and combined heat and power) as well as in the community.