June 27, 2024
Lawmakers and Industry Discuss the Policies and Priorities Needed to Create Connected, Efficient, Electrified Buildings and Advance the Energy Transition
Arlington, Va.— Building electrification took center stage yesterday at NEMA’s Energy Efficiency and Electrification in the Built Environment Expo on Capitol Hill. Guests enjoyed a showcase of innovative technologies and products from 16 NEMA member companies that are electrifying buildings, driving decarbonization, and boosting climate resilience.
Attendees also heard from Congress and the private sector about how billions in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is accelerating the construction and renovation of high-performance buildings across the United States. Electroindustry innovations advancing the energy transition include efficient motors, energy storage, automation systems, advanced lighting, and vehicle-to-building technology.
As a leading Standards Development Organization, NEMA has a lengthy history of leading on code adoption and energy efficiency in the building sector. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), sponsor of the Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes Act (H.R. 1631), reinforced the importance of codes and standards:
“The origin of the word ‘standard’ is literally to stand fast and firm and brave. And so it must be with the design, manufacturing, and distribution of the innovations and creations that make up the commerce of the world. When these standards are strong – and accessible – they benefit all of us by bringing products to market that consumers want and that they can trust. I thank NEMA for its leadership and support and look forward to advancing the reforms we need that I believe are at hand.”
Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY), who serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, also noted the role of innovation in electrifying our world: “Buildings are one of the main components of the energy transition and our climate response. Your technologies – more efficient motors, factory developments, advanced lighting – enable us to move forward in a way that maximizes efficiency and enables us to electrify systems and decarbonize. This is critical. Thank you for enabling us in that very important agenda.”
Aamir Paul, President, North America Operations, Schneider Electric, highlighted the bipartisan nature of creating efficient, electrified, high-performing buildings: “Buildings offer a tremendous opportunity to decarbonize the energy landscape — addressing their environmental impact has never been more critical. Through electrification and digitalization, and boosted by policy incentives, we can reach our sustainability goals while delivering cost savings. That’s a win-win both parties can get behind,” said Paul. “Schneider Electric is proud to be a part of critical discussions around building electrification at NEMA’s Capitol Hill showcase, and we thank our leaders in Congress for this opportunity. We stand ready to help enact building code policies that keep America at the forefront of economic competitiveness and sustainability.”
As a member of the High-Performance Building Coalition, NEMA advocates for the advancement of building innovation and technologies as pillars of our infrastructure. Held in tandem with High Performance Building Week, NEMA also joined fellow associations, advocates, manufacturers, and stakeholders for a Built Environment Hill Day on Tuesday to promote the benefits of high-performance buildings and advocate for the advancement of building innovation and technologies as pillars of our infrastructure.
“This Expo is an incredible opportunity to showcase our member company products that bring energy efficiency solutions to buildings and our ever-electrifying world. As energy demand continues to grow, these products will be key to reducing demand on the grid,” said Spencer Pederson, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs at NEMA.
Photos from all the NEMA members who contributed to this event are available here. Companies participating in the expo are: ABB, Acuity Brands, ConnectDER, Danfoss, Eaton, Johnson Controls, Nidec Motor Corporation, LEDVANCE, Legrand, Leviton, Lutron Electronics, Phoenix Contact USA, Regal Rexnord, Schneider Electric, Siemens, and Signify.