DOE Secretary Bodman Endorses NEMA Initiative to Make Buildings Energy Efficient Through Lighting Renovation

September 11, 2008

ROSSLYN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman has invited industry leaders to become full participants in a national effort to make our buildings more energy efficient, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association announced today. American owners and operators of commercial, industrial, and institutional structures can reduce energy consumption by 30 percent by renovating lighting and other building systems. In an open letter to industry, Secretary Bodman noted that current tax deductions “provide financial incentives up to $0.60 per square foot for reducing new and existing building lighting energy use by 25 percent to 50 percent.” He added that he was pleased to support the efforts announced by NEMA and its members to dramatically alter the energy footprint related to lighting in the 70 billion square feet of existing buildings, as well as new construction. Responding to Secretary Bodman’s previous challenge to NEMA to commit to a national building energy efficiency campaign, NEMA recently announced the “enLIGHTen AMERICA” initiative, a campaign which will promote the advantages of lighting system renovation. According to NEMA, building owners and operators can realize a 50 percent return on investment, reduced operating expenses, improved productivity, and increased asset value. Some building owners could save as much as $600,000 per year on electric bills. To assist building owners and operators in establishing a lighting renovation project, NEMA has established a website with information and savings-calculation tools: www.nemasavesenergy.org. A copy of the “enLIGHTen AMERICA” brochure, Your Buildings Are Wasting Bushels of Money, and a copy of Secretary Bodman’s letter, are also available at the site.

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