On April 30, 2015 President Obama signed the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act, which is focused on improving energy efficiency in commercial buildings, manufacturing plants, and homes. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., explained the importance of this Act after he introduced the same bill into the U.S. House of Representatives.
“We ought to be promoting building efficiency as a way to save energy, save money, and create jobs. Energy independence is a national security issue, and efficiency should be part of the solution”.
This Act is expected to create at least $4.6 billion in annual energy savings by 2030, create new jobs and economic growth, and reduce greenhouse gases. This would be accomplished by increasing the Energy Star program to have Tenant Star, a program to promote energy efficiency in separate spaces and improve energy efficiency of tenant occupied spaces, such as office buildings.
The Act will also authorize the Department of Energy to study methods of energy conservation and use, and create a grant for making this building energy use available for building owners. The results of energy usage by buildings will be made public, so they will be put under pressure by the public and advocacy groups to reduce their power use.
Commercial buildings are important to consider when trying managing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Department of Energy found that the HVAC system uses up to 60% of the energy used in a commercial building. When the HVAC system hasn’t been maintained and is dirty it can use up to 40% more energy than if it were clean.
When the energy usage of buildings is made public it will be important for building owners to make sure their HVAC system is clean and maintained, and operating at peak efficiency.
Get your HVAC system inspected and cleaned by a trained professional at Hughes Environmental, and make sure your building doesn’t end up on a list of energy wasters. Not only will you save money from electrical costs, but you will show the public that you are environmentally responsible.
