Efforts to create a more energy-efficient environment began in the 1970's and accomplished a great deal. However, not enough was accomplished to protect us from price volatility and supply fluctuations. Our dependence on foreign energy resources will only persist if we continue on the current path. Amory Lovins, chairman and chief scientist of the Rocky Mountain Institute, argues that it does not have to be that way. If we make a commitment to sound energy policy that rewards innovation, and become serious about implementing technological improvements, we could eliminate half of our oil needs, half of our gas needs and three-fourths of our electricity requirements, while maintaining a stable, growing economy.

How do you break down the barriers to action? Lovins favors changing the discussion of energy from one of cost to one of advantages. For years, the energy debate has focused on negatives -- environmental pollution and prohibitive capital outlays for business. Mr. Lovins argues the discussion should be about profit (derived from lower operational costs for business) and benefits (price certainty, stable resource supply, cleaner environment, etc.) that indirectly result from implementing sound energy policies and alternative energy practices. This is the final presentation in a series of five talks on Energy Efficiency by Amory Lovins and is brought to you by MAP.