A coalition of manufacturers, utilities, trade associations, and advocacy groups are urging Congress to double the funding for the U.S. Energy Star program.
Energy Star, housed mostly within the Environmental Protection Agency, “delivers a remarkable bang for the buck in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 330 million metric tons of avoided emission reduction each year—roughly 5% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions annually,” according to a letter sent to Congress by the coalition. “Meanwhile, the program saves American consumers and businesses more than $35 billion annually in avoided energy costs.”
The program has seen its budget steadily decline in recent years with overall cuts at EPA. Adjusted for inflation, its budget, today at $35 million, would need to be about $65 million to keep pace with funding levels of a decade ago, the coalition says.
“We know that Congress is looking for innovative, cost-effective, and high-impact approaches for achieving emissions reductions while also boosting economic productivity,” the letter continues. “Energy Star meets all of those criteria through a voluntary, market-based program with a relatively low cost and with enormous untapped potential.”
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 16, 2020
Concrete industry reduces carbon footprint by 13% over five years
Result mostly due to more efficient use of Portland cement.
Resiliency | Mar 13, 2020
Feds push use of eminent domain to force people out of flood-prone homes
Local officials that don’t comply could lose federal money to combat climate change.
Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2020
Design guide for sloped glazing and skylights updated for first time in 30 years
Helps with choosing proper glass for non-residential applications.
Codes and Standards | Mar 11, 2020
Two tree species native to the Northeast found suitable for CLT
Eastern white pine and eastern hemlock pass strength testing.
Codes and Standards | Mar 10, 2020
Prescient receives ICC certification for seismic resilience system
Technology suitable for buildings up to 12 stories in earthquake-prone areas.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2020
Design firms creating plans to re-imagine D.C.’s tidal basin
Area including National Mall is facing increased flood risk.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2020
France to mandate all new public buildings be 50% timber or other natural materials
Measure would go into effect by 2022.
Codes and Standards | Mar 4, 2020
American Concrete Institute and Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute expand partnership
Will collaborate on new code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Mar 3, 2020
Wallcoverings industry releases product scorecards concerning sustainability
Tool adds more transparency to certification.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2020
Bay Area communities struggle with what to do about rising sea level
Policies include sea walls, levies, and relocation.