US BUSINESS LEADERS TEAM UP TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF RISING ENERGY COSTS

World leaders are meeting in Germany for the G-8 Conference this week to discuss an array of global issues. Topping the agenda is the much heated debate over global warming. However, there is no debate about the real concern: rising energy costs.

As the G-8 leaders discuss rising energy costs, businesses and consumers worldwide are being pinched by the trickle down effect on rising energy costs on all products. Politicians this week are discussing long term missions and plans for energy reduction and renewable energy sources, while the average person wants to know: "Will I have to chose between heating my home or putting food on the table this winter?"


Talking about long term energy policies sounds great. However, consumers want action now! While politicians continue to talk, a group of serious business leaders in the United States are implementing a program that makes a difference now, not years from now.

There is a direct connection between the byproducts of inefficient mechanical systems and global warming. We can reduce the energy required to maintain our current comfort levels if we make the best with what we have by tune-ups, relatively minor changes and retrofits where needed.

Mechanical systems such as Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) that heat and cool our 125 million houses and 5 million commercial buildings are mostly obsolete and are one of the largest energy cost for the average consumer and business. So what can be done about it?

A group representing industry leaders in structural mechanical fields have teamed up to address these very issues. They have formed an organization, "THE GREEN MECHANICAL COUNCIL". These organizations include: Carrier Corporation, the Mechanical Services Contractors of America (MSCA), HVAC Excellence, the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), ABCO Refrigeration, Watts-Radiant, United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices (UA), Legend Valve, Floor Heat Company, Ferris State University, Bacharach, Air Doctors, Common Ground, the Carbon Monoxide Safety Association (COSA), Legend Hydronics, ESCO Institute, and the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF).

In addressing how to make our systems more energy efficient and greener, the Green Mechanical Council has undertaken the following strategic actions:

• Educate the public about the benefits and value of green mechanical systems, bringing these concepts into the mainstream for new construction and existing building upgrade decisions.
• Protect the legacy of future generations by uniting diverse stakeholders in the advancement and promotion of sustainable, energy efficient and environmentally responsible planning, design, installation, service and operation of mechanical systems.
• Promote the development and implementation of green mechanical system concepts, and technologies.
• Establish and adopt standards and certifications for products, technicians, and processes that effectively reduce energy consumption while maintaining and improving current lifestyles.
• Work with government agencies and code writers to develop reasonable and enforceable standards for environmentally sustainable mechanical systems.
• Provide resources and instructive feedback to developers and manufacturers of green products to encourage continuous improvement of their products and systems.

Working as a team, the Green Mechanical Council is dedicated to accomplishing these goals. Learn more about the Green Mechanical Council at www.greenmech.org

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