The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) announced a new initiative aimed at reducing energy use and costs in the 5 million existing commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings in the United States. The campaign, called “enLIGHTen America,” will target building owners, operators, and executives who make decisions about upgrading lighting products in un-renovated buildings.

“There are 71 billion square feet of space in nonresidential buildings in the USA,” according to Evan Gaddis, President and CEO of NEMA. “Most of the lighting in this space is inefficient and contributes to our energy crisis every day. Building owners can save as much as 40 percent on their energy bills, green their operations, and get a two-year payback by investing in a modern lighting system with the latest sustainable technology. As a bonus, the 2005 Energy Policy Act is still in effect, which can provide up to 60¢ a square foot in tax incentives.” An independent expert within the industry also stated that a savings of $100,000 in annual energy expense could result in an increase of $1,000,000 of asset value from the improved cash flow.

The unprecedented "enLIGHTen America" initiative, sponsored by NEMA on behalf of all of its member lighting companies, will raise awareness of its message among the target audience through such communications vehicles as press releases, feature articles, direct mail, trade show graphics, and a dedicated website. The campaign will also be supported by a personal message from Secretary of Energy, Samuel W. Bodman, who "invites our nation’s leaders to become full participants in a national effort to make our buildings more energy efficient.”

Interested parties in the lighting industry may obtain more information by e-mailing NEMA at [email protected].

For more information, contact:

Ron Runkles   

Phone: 703-841-3278

E-mail: [email protected]