The SAVE Act: At Long Last, Recognizing the Value of Efficiency Investments

Statement of Mike Collignon, Green Builder® Coalition Executive Director On Introduction of The SAVE Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Our members, green building professionals from across the nation, applaud the introduction of the "Sensible Accounting to Value Energy" (SAVE) Act by Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colorado) and Johnny Isakson (R-Georgia) today.

"Decades ago, innovative homebuilders began to recognize the widespread value of energy efficient construction to new home buyers. An efficient home not only saves homeowners thousands of dollars that would otherwise go to pay utilities, but is better built, more comfortable, and quieter.

"The SAVE Act is a bill that has no downsides. In fact, it has the potential to change the paradigm for home construction and renovation in the United States for:

HOME BUYERS: Who will enjoy potentially tens of thousands of dollars in energy savings that can be put away for college funds or reduce mortgage debt early.

HOME BUILDERS: Who won't lose the added cost of efficiency at the closing table.

UNDERWRITERS: Who will have a more stable borrower with additional cash flow from utility bill savings.

MAIN ST. BUSINESSES/ENERGY CONSUMERS: Even modest efficiency gains to homes and commercial buildings – America's largest consuming sector of energy (over 40%), natural gas (over 50%), and electricity (over 70%) – can help stabilize energy costs to communities.

UTILITIES & POWER GRIDS: Energy efficiency can eliminate the need for costly new power plant construction. In fact, a May 2011 Institute for Electric Efficiency study concluded that building and appliance efficiencies alone can "completely offset the anticipated growth in demand in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors combined, eliminating the need for additional power plants to serve these sectors through 2025."

OUR NATION: Like the SAVE Act, reducing our nation's overreliance on energy imports is a non-partisan goal shared across America.

"Congress should act quickly to enact The SAVE Act."

SOURCE Green Builder Coalition