ENERGY IN THE PAST...
Energy Policy Act of 1992
The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct 1992) was passed and signed by President Bill Clinton. Its aim was to comprehensively address U.S. energy needs, including an energy efficiency title that included several energy efficiency provisions. The bill consisted of twenty-seven titles emphasizing multiple measures designed to lessen the nation's dependance on foreign oil and energy. It provided incentives for clean and renewable energy, and promoted energy conservation in buildings, especially with taxes, making energy efficient buildings eligible for lessened taxes and tax exemptions. EPAct was a huge reform, and America’s first energy-focused conservation act since the Energy Crisis in the 1970s. [1] See below the effects of this energy policy.
Energy Policy Act of 2005
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 was passed and signed by President George W. Bush.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) changed United States energy policy by providing $2.3 billion in tax incentives and loan guarantees for homes, commercial buildings, and manufacturers of high efficiency appliances. For energy efficiency, the bill established minimum energy standards for 15 different products. [1] See below the effects of this energy policy
The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct 1992) was passed and signed by President Bill Clinton. Its aim was to comprehensively address U.S. energy needs, including an energy efficiency title that included several energy efficiency provisions. The bill consisted of twenty-seven titles emphasizing multiple measures designed to lessen the nation's dependance on foreign oil and energy. It provided incentives for clean and renewable energy, and promoted energy conservation in buildings, especially with taxes, making energy efficient buildings eligible for lessened taxes and tax exemptions. EPAct was a huge reform, and America’s first energy-focused conservation act since the Energy Crisis in the 1970s. [1] See below the effects of this energy policy.
Energy Policy Act of 2005
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 was passed and signed by President George W. Bush.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) changed United States energy policy by providing $2.3 billion in tax incentives and loan guarantees for homes, commercial buildings, and manufacturers of high efficiency appliances. For energy efficiency, the bill established minimum energy standards for 15 different products. [1] See below the effects of this energy policy
...ENERGY TODAY
Energy Today
The minimum SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, as decided by the Department of Energy, has been raised to 14. Air conditioners manufacturers in the South are required to meet a minimum 14 SEER rating on all new units. Meanwhile, air conditioners in the North can remain at a 13 SEER rating. This means billions of dollars and emissions saved, just as a result of the SEER minimum being raised by 1 or 2 points. [2]
What is Energy Star's EPA Portfolio Manager?
Energy Star's EPA Portfolio Manager is a tool rolled out by the EPA, designed to allow commercial buildings an easy way to keep track of the amount of energy and water they use, and/or waste over a period time. It helps businesses start to make smart, informed decisions about their consumption. Businesses use this tool and certify their buildings with Energy Star in order to increase value and foster a sustainable business environment. Tracking usage can lead to a smaller carbon footprint, and some really big savings. [3]
The minimum SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, as decided by the Department of Energy, has been raised to 14. Air conditioners manufacturers in the South are required to meet a minimum 14 SEER rating on all new units. Meanwhile, air conditioners in the North can remain at a 13 SEER rating. This means billions of dollars and emissions saved, just as a result of the SEER minimum being raised by 1 or 2 points. [2]
What is Energy Star's EPA Portfolio Manager?
Energy Star's EPA Portfolio Manager is a tool rolled out by the EPA, designed to allow commercial buildings an easy way to keep track of the amount of energy and water they use, and/or waste over a period time. It helps businesses start to make smart, informed decisions about their consumption. Businesses use this tool and certify their buildings with Energy Star in order to increase value and foster a sustainable business environment. Tracking usage can lead to a smaller carbon footprint, and some really big savings. [3]
It is important to note that the numbers in the economic and environmental diagram do not account for carbon emissions from the actual manufacturing process of a new air conditioning unit. The numbers for industries' individual carbon footprint were not available.
Programmable thermostats will be the next topic of discussion. Programmable thermostats are helpful for the energy-conscious. The development of smart thermostats was stepping stone into the world of occupancy detection technology. Businesses can implement occupancy for their HVAC systems, and the technology is rapidly developing. Thermostats such as the Nest offer "away" and "eco" settings for when you least need your cooling. However, the key to smart thermostats is that time and thought are put into the programming process. At a retail price of $249, the Nest offers significant energy savings, and there are plenty of energy companies offering rebates for people choosing to equip their homes and businesses with the Nest.
Click the button on the right to head to the next section and find out about how the future of occupancy detection can lower your energy bill.
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Sources
[1] "Laws." [Online] Dec. 2016. ACEEE. Website: http://aceee.org/laws
[2] 2015 Federal Regional Standards for Heating and Cooling Products (2014): [Online] Dec. 2016. American Standard. Website: http://www.sgtorrice.com/files/Pages/News/2015-Regional-Standards-Cooling-Heating%20Products-rev1.pdf
[3] "Use Portfolio Manager." [Online] Dec. 2016. ENERGY STAR. Website: https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/facility-owners-and-managers/existing-buildings/use-portfolio-manager?s=mega
[4] "History of Air Conditioning." . 20 June 2015. [Online] Nov. 2016. Energy.gov. Lester, Paul. Website: http://www.energy.gov/articles/history-air-conditioning
[5]"The Business Case for Energy Efficiency." [Online] Nov. 2016. ENERGY STAR. Website: https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/about-us/how-can-we-help-you/build-energy-program/business-case
[6]"Asthma." Asthma Lifestyle and Home Remedies 30 Aug. 2016. [Online] Dec. 2016. Mayo Clinic. Website: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20026992
[1] "Laws." [Online] Dec. 2016. ACEEE. Website: http://aceee.org/laws
[2] 2015 Federal Regional Standards for Heating and Cooling Products (2014): [Online] Dec. 2016. American Standard. Website: http://www.sgtorrice.com/files/Pages/News/2015-Regional-Standards-Cooling-Heating%20Products-rev1.pdf
[3] "Use Portfolio Manager." [Online] Dec. 2016. ENERGY STAR. Website: https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/facility-owners-and-managers/existing-buildings/use-portfolio-manager?s=mega
[4] "History of Air Conditioning." . 20 June 2015. [Online] Nov. 2016. Energy.gov. Lester, Paul. Website: http://www.energy.gov/articles/history-air-conditioning
[5]"The Business Case for Energy Efficiency." [Online] Nov. 2016. ENERGY STAR. Website: https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/about-us/how-can-we-help-you/build-energy-program/business-case
[6]"Asthma." Asthma Lifestyle and Home Remedies 30 Aug. 2016. [Online] Dec. 2016. Mayo Clinic. Website: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20026992