HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Environmental Protection's next "DEP at Home" webinar will be on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m., to educate participants about ways to conserve energy and save money.

"Pennsylvanians can significantly lower their energy costs if they take some simple energy conservation measures," DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. "For example, for each degree a thermostat is lowered, the consumer reduces their energy costs by three percent. This webinar will draw the connection between taking small steps and saving big money."

The webinar will last no longer than an hour and will feature Libby Dodson and Heidi Kunsch, one of the state's only Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accredited professionals, of DEP's Office of Pollution Prevention and Energy Assistance (OPPEA). A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.

OPPEA works with citizens' groups, businesses, schools, trade organizations, local government organizations and communities to help reduce pollution and save energy by encouraging the use of advanced environmental and energy technologies.

LEED is the United States' most widely recognized green building rating system and promotes the design, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings that increase energy and water efficiency; improve indoor air quality; conserve materials; and reduce environmental impacts.

The webinar is the third in a series of free quarterly webinars DEP is producing to educate families about improving their home environment and safeguarding their health. The next webinar, in January, will focus on radon awareness.

For more information or to participate in the webinar, please visit www.dep.state.pa.us and click the "DEP at Home" button on the homepage. Space is limited and participation is based on a first-come, first-served basis.

Media contact: Amanda Witman, 717-787-1323

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection