Commercial Buildings and Technology Initiative

ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY ACT OF 2007 (EISA)

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, signed by President George W. Bush on December 18, 2007 is an energy policy intended to make better use of our resources and help the United States become energy independent. The law provides important benefits to consumers, industry, our country and our environment.

Part of the law sets energy efficiency standards for light bulbs; the first phase goes into effect January 2012.

EISA is eliminating unnecessarily wasteful products from the market. There are 4 billion light bulb sockets in the U.S. and more than 3 billion of them still use the standard incandescent technology that hasn't changed much in 125 years. A standard incandescent is only 10% efficient - the other 90% of the electricity it uses is lost as heat.

Another benefit of using more efficient light bulbs includes reductions of harmful emissions from coal-fired power plants (mercury, arsenic, chromium, nickel, acid gases and greenhouse gases1). This helps to protect the health of our citizens, wildlife and environment, and it's an easy, achievable step toward reducing our carbon footprint.
Additionally, efficient products mean cost savings. The new standards mean U.S. households collectively could save nearly $6 billion in 2015 alone, as estimated by U.S. Department of Energy.

	Resource	Description
	Association of Energy Services Professionals	AESP provides professional development programs, a network of energy practitioners, and promotes the transfer of knowledge and experience. Our members work in the energy services industry and represent electric and natural gas utilities, public benefits associations, regulatory and non-profit entities, vendors, manufacturers and consulting firms.
	Consortium for Energy Efficiency	CEE is a consortium of efficiency program administrators from across the U.S. and Canada who work together on common approaches to advancing efficiency.
	New Buildings Institute	NBI works with national, regional, state and utility groups to promote improved energy performance in commercial new construction, managing projects involving building research, design guidelines and code activities.
	Energy Star	ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
	National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions	The NCQLP is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 to serve and protect the well-being of the public through effective and efficient lighting practice. Through a peer-review process, the NCQLP establishes the education, experience and examination requirements for baseline certification across the lighting professions.
	U.S. DOE Netzero Commercial Buildings Initiative	The Building Technologies Program (BTP) funds research and technology development to reduce commercial and residential building energy use. The program is working to achieve the goal of net-zero energy buildings, which produce as much energy as they consume.
	American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy	The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting economic prosperity, energy security, and environmental protection.
	Energy Star Builidings	EPA offers a proven strategy for superior energy management with tools and resources to help each step of the way. Based on the successful practices of ENERGY STAR partners, these guidelines for energy management can assist your organization in improving its energy and financial performance while distinguishing your organization as an environmental leader.
	Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International	Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International is a trade organization dedicated to advancing the science of wholesale distribution in the HVACR industry.