Energy savings in the US The US holds massive unused potential for energy savings. According to the US Energy Authority (EIA) a savings potential of 57%-68% exists in residential buildings. As the world’s biggest energy user, the quality of life for US citizens coud be improved by energy savings in buildings as opposed to unpopular restrictions on car traffic. In general, the average American uses twice as much energy as the average European. The poor energy efficiency of US society makes it dependent on energy imports. Instability in supplier regions can undermine the sure supply of cheap energy. Single family homes are big in the US - 237 m2 on average. A well-insulated home is thus crucial to reduce energy use for both heating and cooling. As in Europe, buildings consume 40% of all energy, but 70% of all electricity.