WDMA Welcomes White House Announcement of "Better Buildings Initiative" to Improve Energy Efficiency

 

The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) welcomed the announcement made today by President Obama in State College, Pa. of a "Better Buildings Initiative," which aims to achieve a 20 percent improvement in commercial building energy efficiency by 2020.   A key component of the program is changing a current tax deduction for commercial building owners into a tax credit that is more generous to encourage them to retrofit their properties.  This would be supplemented by additional financing opportunities for commercial retrofits and a competitive grant program for states and municipalities that streamline codes to encourage commercial retrofits. 

 

"WDMA is pleased with the Administration's renewed focus on job creation through energy efficiency," said WDMA President Michael O'Brien. "We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to craft a program that will create meaningful incentives for building owners to improve their properties' energy performance."

 

At the same time, President Obama reasserted his commitment to the HomeStar proposal for residential upgrades introduced last year and said it would also be included his upcoming proposed budget.

 

"Encouraging homeowners to upgrade windows, doors and skylights is an important strategy to reduce energy use, and WDMA continues to advocate for a bipartisan and common sense energy policy that emphasizes cost-effective building efficiency measures.  WDMA will continue to be at the forefront of the issue," O'Brien said.

 

Click here to read a summary of the Better Buildings Initiative.