In an era of U.S. energy abundance, the persistently high energy bills paid by low-income households is troubling. After decades of weatherization and bill-payment programs, low-income households still spend a higher percent of their income on electricity and gas bills than any other income group. Their energy burden is not declining, and it remains persistently high in particular geographies such as the South, rural America, and minority communities.

Energy efficiency (i.e., the ratio of output of performance to input of energy) in office buildings can reduce energy costs and CO2 emissions, but there are barriers to widespread adoption of energy efficient solutions in offices because they are often perceived as a potential threat to perceived comfort, well-being, and performance of office users. However, the links between offices' energy efficiency and users' performance and well-being through their moderators are neither necessary nor empirically confirmed.

A guide with these contents

• Sustainable and accessible ways to keep cool
• Key messages
• How does heat affect the body?
• Doesn’t air conditioning solve the problem?
• How can electric fans help?
• When shouldn’t electric fans be used?
• What if it’s too hot to use a fan or there is no power?
• How can buildings help keep people cool without the need for air conditioning?
• What should governments, employers, services and communities do to promote
• ‘fan-first’ cooling?
• Sources