In an effort to mobilize industry and the energy-efficiency community to take full advantage of the tax incentives provided by the new Energy Policy Act (EPAct 2005), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association has assembled a coalition of more than three dozen stakeholders. The focus is on increasing the efficiency of commercial buildings.

CEE is participating in the coalition, as are the Natural Resources Defense Council, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Alliance to Save Energy. A number of CEE industry allies – including the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), and EPA – are also participants in the coalition. Manufacturers, designers, builders, contractors and real estate professionals are all represented.

Regulations for determining and verifying energy savings are currently being developed by the U.S. Dept. of Energy in consultation with the Treasury Dept. When this information is released, the NEMA coalition wants to be ready to spring into action.

Consistent messages and widespread dispersal are critical to effective implementation. Toward that end, the coalition has developed a national communications plan that includes a recently launched Web site (www.efficientbuildings.org) and a brochure. Three meetings have been held since November.

“This diverse coalition is a golden opportunity to work together to contribute to significant energy savings in commercial buildings,” said CEE Deputy Director Ed Wisniewski.

In addition to its participation in the coalition, CEE is also working with its members and industry allies to learn about and ultimately encourage complementary promotional efforts for the new tax incentives.

Back to top