Today, few in the U.S. would disagree that we waste too much energy, whether we are talking about drivers, homeowners, or businesses; and energy efficiency is often the most affordable and most available way to improve the U.S. energy situation and reduce carbon emissions.
The National Petroleum Council found that available energy efficiency technology applied today to residential and commercial buildings would reduce energy use 15 to 20 percent and yet our nation's building industry continues to lag behind other sectors in effective policies that could provide the savings estimated.
Dow has been a recognized pioneer and leader in industrial energy efficiency. Since 1990, Dow has reduced its energy intensity by 40%, saving 5,200 trillion Btu, and we are not done. As part of our 2015 Sustainability Goals, established in 2005, we have pledged a further 25% reduction in our energy intensity. If the U.S. was to adopt a similar economy-wide goal, this country could save the Btu equivalent of all of its oil imports from the Middle East.
Any comprehensive sustainable energy policy needs an accelerated energy efficiency program over the next 10 years. Our recommendations highlight tackling all energy demand sources and climate change contributors.
Dow calls for:
- Policies that provide incentives for power generators and distributors to undertake cost-effective and innovative energy efficiency measures
- A combination of federal financial incentives, low interest loan programs and energy efficiency building codes to provide large-scale savings and significantly improve our nation's building stock and increase our country's energy security
- Promote the use of tools and incentives to assist manufacturers of all sizes in implementing energy efficiency measures