IDT Energy is following the story of going green in Brooklyn.  According to Ethan Oringel who publishes greenbrooklyn.com blog, the journey to a more energy efficient home begins with an energy audit. Examine your electric and heating bills, list all the ways you use energy, and explore the options you have for using less.
Here are a few for-instances:

•   Change all your incandescent light bulbs for CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) or LEDs (light-emitting diodes.)
• Look for the Energy Star when purchasing new appliances.
• Install Low-E windows which keep heat in during the winter and out in the summer.
• Seal any places in which air can flow between the outside and inside of your home.

Eitan Baron, recently did a green renovation on his apartment in Park Slope says that,

“Proper sealing is worth as much as any solar panel on the market. It’s the parts you don’t see that are the most important.”

Baron believes that he has saved about 60% on his heating bill last winter, in addition to helping improve the world by using less energy.

But if you don’t have the ability to move to this LEED-certified development, then there are lots of things you can do with the place you live now to make it much more energy efficient.  And this is not just a nice idea, but crucial, since about 80 per cent of the greenhouse gasses produced in New York City come from buildings any reduction in these emissions will greatly benefit the environment.

According to Sarah Beatty, the president of Green Depot, a chain of eco-friendly building and home supplies, “The last five years have seen exponential growth in the number of high-quality [green] products that have come to market. For homeowners who want to approach a renovation, there are a ton of choices.”