“Saving energy is cheaper than buying it.”

Amory Lovins, Founder, Rocky Mountain Institute

Ahead of His Time

For most of his life, Amory Lovins has done things differently. After studying experimental physics at Harvard and Oxford, he became Oxford’s youngest junior faculty member in 400 years. But he didn’t stay long. When the university didn’t approve of his plan to study energy policy, he left to create a cutting-edge career in energy conservation.

Almost immediately, Amory challenged the way the energy industry thought. He spurred congressional hearings by suggesting that the energy debate shouldn’t center on how to produce more energy but how to produce less. He has been a consultant to some of the world’s largest corporations and an advisor to the electricity, oil, and auto industries. He and his former wife, Hunter, are also the founders of the Rocky Mountain Institute, one of the most important players in energy research and policy.

Amory’s latest challenge: to change the way we think about automobiles. That may sound like a tall order at a time when SUV sales are soaring. But if history is a guide, it usually just takes the rest of us a little longer to get where Amory Lovins is—at the forefront of energy conservation.

Two Energy Tips from the Rocky Mountain Institute

1. When possible, wait until after 8 p.m. on weekdays to charge electric vehicles, run dishwasher or laundry loads, or use other electric appliances.

2. Cars and trucks are responsible for more than half of the smog-forming pollution in our country. One of the biggest ways any of us can help keep our air clean is to drive less and to bike, walk, take the bus or train, telecommute, or carpool more. When we do drive, we can keep our cars tuned up and combine car trips.