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Energy-efficient buildings, whether new or existing, lessen our nation's energy use.

Essential to Efficiency

Buildings consume 40 percent of all energy used in the United States and are responsible for nearly 40 percent of domestic carbon dioxide emissions. Efficient buildings reduce the speed and severity of global warming, lessen demand on the power grid, decrease stress on natural gas supplies, improve local air quality and save consumers money. Efficient features may be either embedded in new buildings or added to existing buildings through energy retrofits.

New Buildings

The design phase of a new building is the best opportunity to embed long-term energy savings into the building. Major improvements in building efficiency are often accomplished through stronger efficiency requirements in building codes. More on building codes.

Existing Buildings

With less than 1.5 percent of the U.S. building stock built new each year, improving existing buildings is critical to improving building efficiency overall. Energy retrofits, which upgrade equipment and seal the envelope of existing buildings, can save building inhabitants up to 20 percent on their utility bills. Still, participation in retrofit programs remains low. Financial support and technical assistance from all levels of government can help drive energy efficiency retrofits.

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Alliance Staff, Associates Join Energy Efficiency Hall of Fame

Date: May 27, 2009

As energy efficiency continues to garner support from businesses and governments worldwide, Johnson Controls Inc. and the U.S. Energy Association are honoring those who have dedicated their careers to energy efficiency.

As energy efficiency continues to garner support from businesses and governments worldwide, Johnson Controls Inc. and the U.S. Energy Association are honoring those who have dedicated their careers to energy efficiency.

House Committee on Energy and Commerce Amendments to the American Clean Energy and Security Act

Congressional Chamber
May 21, 2009

These amendments are based on Alliance interpretations of Committee passed amendments during the House Energy and Commerce Committee mark-up this week.

These amendments are based on Alliance interpretations of Committee passed amendments during the House Energy and Commerce Committee mark-up this week. All language, subtitles, sections, analysis, etc. are subject to change based on final bill text as released by the Committee. Please revisit our website in the coming days where these amendments will be included within our revised summary of Committee mark-up.

Alliance Hails Progress of Climate Bill as 'Most Significant Step' in Putting U.S. at Forefront of Energy Efficiency

Author: 
Ronnie Kweller
Contact Email: 
rkweller@ase.org
Date: 
May 21, 2009

Today's passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act by the House Energy and Commerce Committee is the most significant step to date in making the United States a world leader in advancing energy efficiency and addressing climate change, the Alliance to Save Energy said.

Washington, D.C., May 21, 2009 – Today's passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act by the House Energy and Commerce Committee is the most significant step to date in making the United States a world leader in advancing energy efficiency and addressing climate change, the Alliance to Save Energy said.

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Alliance Issues Letter in Support of EPA's ENERGY STAR PROGRAM

Date: May 20, 2009

Alliance letter to Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior,  Environment, and Related Agencies

 

To: Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

From: Alliance to Save Energy, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Environmental and Energy Study Institute, Green Buildings Initiative, Johnson Controls, Inc, National Association of State Energy Offices, North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, U. S. Green Building Council

RE: EPA Energy Star

May 14, 2009

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BCAP Helps San Antonio Improve Buildings Codes

Date: May 13, 2009

Since late 2008, representatives of the Alliance's Building Codes Assistance Project have served the City of San Antonio and its Office of Environmental Policy by providing technical assistance to the advisory committees of the Sustainable Buildings Task Force. Charged with developing the city’s new advanced energy codes, the Sustainable Buildings Task Force was formed in response to San Antonio Mayor Hardberger's groundbreaking 2009 Mission Verde initiative, an all out effort to strengthen the city's economy through widespread sustainability efforts built on energy and water efficiency and conservation.

Since late 2008, representatives of the Alliance's Building Codes Assistance Project have served the City of San Antonio and its Office of Environmental Policy by providing technical assistance to the advisory committees of the Sustainable Buildings Task Force.

Alliance to Save Energy Applauds President’s FY10 Budget

Contact Email: 
rkweller@ase.org
Date: 
May 7, 2009

The Alliance to Save Energy today applauded President Obama’s FY10 budget proposal, which will provide a steady increase in most energy-efficiency programs and reinforces the President’s goal of a new, clean energy economy.

Washington, D.C., May 7, 2009 – The Alliance to Save Energy today applauded President Obama’s FY10 budget proposal, which will provide a steady increase in most energy-efficiency programs and reinforces the President’s goal of a new, clean energy economy.

EE Global 2009

EE Global 2009

April 27, 2009 - 8:00am - April 29, 2009 - 5:00pm
Paris
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Alliance Earth Day Activities

Date: Apr 23, 2009

April 2009 – For Earth Day this year, the Alliance took the message of energy efficiency to a number of government and community events in order to spread the word about the great and largely untapped potential of this clean, fast and cheap resource.

April 2009 – It goes without saying that every day is Earth Day here at the Alliance. Nevertheless, we welcome the opportunity to join with likeminded Earth advocates everywhere who are celebrating the myriad ways we can care for our planet. This year, the Alliance took the message of energy efficiency to a number of government and community events in order to spread the word about the great and largely untapped potential of this clean, fast and cheap resource.

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Alliance Staff and Associates Participate in Hearings on the Hill

Date: Apr 23, 2009

This week the House Energy and Commerce Committee is holding a marathon set of  hearings on the discussion draft of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. The hearings are a chance for  members to learn more about the ACES Act, a sweeping piece of legislation that  places a cap on carbon emissions and implements a variety of complementary  energy policies in one bill.

This  week the House Energy and Commerce Committee is holding a marathon set of  hearings on the discussion draft of the American Clean Energy and Security  (ACES) Act of 2009, which was introduced by Committee Chairmen Henry Waxman  (D-Calif.) and Edward Markey (D-Ma.) on March 31. The hearings are a chance for  members to learn more about the ACES Act, a sweeping piece of legislation that  places a cap on carbon emissions and implements a variety of complementary  energy policies in one bill.

Alliance to Save Energy Supports $100 Million EPA Energy Star Program Funding

Contact Email: 
rkweller@ase.org
Date: 
April 23, 2009

In testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies today, Alliance to Save Energy President Kateri Callahan called for an increase in funding for the EPA Energy Star Program.

Washington, D.C., June 22, 2006 – In testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies today, Alliance to Save Energy President Kateri Callahan called for an increase in funding for the EPA Energy Star Program. She urged the Appropriations Subcommittee to increase Energy Star funding from $50 million (the FY 2009 funding level) to $100 million to enable the program to deliver even more impressive energy savings to American consumers and businesses.

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