Boosting Energy Efficiency with Emerging Technologies

Congress should…

• o Assure that government labeling programs recognize and appropriately treat emerging technologies that promise great benefits, even before they have substantial market share.
• o Promote the highest efficiencies available for federal purchases.
• o Actively support market aggregation activities that can create a sustainable market for new technologies and practices.

THE ISSUE
The least efficient air conditioners and other equipment sold today are more efficient than the very best mainstream models in the past. The current standards are based on the performance of yesterday's innovations. Continuing increases in efficiency require nurturing innovative emerging technologies from market entry through mainstream market acceptance, to continue harvesting cost-effective improvements that save energy and thus help prevent pollution and money spent on energy waste.

SUMMARY
Products, practices, and processes have a life cycle: Yesterday's innovation becomes today's premium or leading-edge, tomorrow's mainstream. Ultimately, as newer ways emerge, the old ones are "locked in" with efficiency standards, fleet CAF