Energy Use Campaign Targets Nonresidential Buildings
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association's campaign "enLIGHTen America" targets building owners, operators, and executives who make decisions about upgrading lighting products in un-renovated buildings. The initiative seeks to reduce energy use and costs in the 5 million existing commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings in the United States.
"There are 71 billion square feet of space in nonresidential buildings in the USA," according to Evan Gaddis, president and chief executive officer. "Most of the lighting in this space is inefficient and contributes to our energy crisis every day. Building owners can save as much as 40 percent on their energy bills, green their operations, and get a two-year payback by investing in a modern lighting system with the latest sustainable technology. As a bonus, the 2005 Energy Policy Act is still in effect, which can provide up to 60¢ a square foot in tax incentives."
An independent expert within the industry also stated that a savings of $100,000 in annual energy expense could result in an increase of $1,000,000 of asset value from the improved cash flow.