Savvy homeowners are always looking for ways to increase the resale value of their house, and a conservation group in Colorado believes that energy efficiency is the best way to do it.

According to the Summit Daily, the non-profit organization High Country Conservation Center (HC3) is just a small part of a larger statewide effort to reduce energy use and lessen Colorado’s environmental footprint.

The foundation of HC3’s efforts lies in their promise to homeowners that the value of their home will increase by investing in energy-efficient products and services.

Matt Wright, an HC3 board member who runs another non-profit conservation group called Deeper Green Consulting, is urging homeowners in Summit County to join in on the considerable progress being made by the rest of the state.

“Ultimately, we’re trying to reduce energy use in the county and drive down greenhouse gas emissions,” Wright said. “Codes are advancing. Summit County as a community should be advancing along with it.”

Todd Gamboa, president of Building Trust LLC and proponent of energy efficiency, urges homeowners to invest in a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) reader for their home’s energy use.

“Unfortunately, it is a way-underutilized resource,” Gamboa said. “Most realtors have never heard of a HERS rating.”

A lower HERS rating means that a home is maximizing its energy efficiency. The data can be used during resale of a home to prove to potential buyers that it is well-equipped to save energy, resulting in lower monthly bills.

Experts say that some of the best ways to lower your HERS rating are by replacing old appliances, switching to fluorescent lighting, and installing a metal roof. Metal roofing has long been advocated by proponents of energy efficiency because of its durability and wide range of benefits.

According to the Huffington Post, Americans spend a whopping $130 billion a year on energy that does nothing but go to waste. In 2012, the amount of energy wasted by American homes and businesses would have generated enough power to support the UK for seven years.

To combat these harrowing statistics, HC3 will begin a series of free training sessions this month for real estate agents, builders, and others interested in home energy ratings. Wright said the sessions will focus on how to take advantage of energy efficiency incentives when purchasing a home.