Optimizing available energy and benefitting from it is not a new phenomenon or concept; it has been in existence from time immemorial. Ancient people were well versed in building homes and structures that harnessed the natural resources for their benefit. Olden day homes allow more sunlight for natural lighting and also for heating purposes. They are also structurally designed to allow a lot of natural breeze to pass through them, thereby fulfilling cooling and ambience needs. The fact that the ancient people did not have any other options of energy may have contributed to their adaptation to natural resources.

Somewhere in the recent past, people lost the inclination to live in energy efficient homes and this can be attributed to the availability of cheap and abundantly available, artificial energy. It is only in the present times that people are realizing their mistake and the damage that is caused to the environment by using this artificial energy and are turning back to energy efficient homes. In fact, they have gone one step ahead and have started producing alternative energy through natural means, apart from using natural resources. Every home has the potential to harness the natural resources and become energy efficient. Even otherwise, they can optimize the existing artificial energy sources like electricity by cutting out wastage and also by minimizing usage.

There are many builders and home designers who design, construct and sell energy efficient homes. They can also modify or structurally change existing homes to make them more energy efficient. In the present day world, electricity and other forms of bio fuel energy are not only becoming costlier, scarcer and unreliable, they are also damaging the environment. In fact, the damage caused to the environment has already reached the tipping point. If people do not resort to energy efficiency, optimization and alternative power sources that are environmental friendly, there is every chance of a manmade catastrophe occurring in the near future. Simple energy saving methods like minimizing electricity usage, installing and using solar systems, utilizing wind and water energy, etc. can go a long way in making energy efficient homes. Apart from the environmental benefits, energy efficient homes can also benefit people on costs and expenditures. Every household can potentially save a minimum of 30% on energy costs and that is a lot of money. There are many guides and instructional aides that can help people to make their dwellings into energy efficient homes and the onus is on the individuals to utilize them and benefit from it.