New Home Heating and Cooling Standards a Win For Everyone

It's always a feel-good story when business and environmental activists agree on something that has a positive impact. And once again, we see collaboration, as industry and environmental advocates have agreed on new home heating and cooling standards. The New York Times has already anticipated your excitement over the news.

At a news briefing, Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) noted that efficiency standards "may not be sexy, but they are incredibly effective."

Indeed, the standards agreed upon, which will be implemented in 2013, will save a whole ton of energy. In fact, lots and lots of tons. By 2030, the new standards will save "the equivalent of the total annual energy needs of Georgia, Massachusetts or Michigan." Just by retooling home heating and cooling standards. That's, actually, pretty damn cool.

Industry folk are happy because standards will be in place long-term, which means they won't have to deal changing rules, and can better optimize production. Environmentalists are amped because emissions will be reduced, and consumers should see savings in their wallets. In fact, it's being referred to as a "triple crown" by some, as just about everybody wins. In fact, the "new standards are projected to save consumers about $13 billion in today's dollars between 2013 and 2030." I mean, what's not to love about all this?

photo credit: Greencolander's flickr photostream/Creative Commons