Many of the energy-saving materials and technologies in use around the world today rely on innovations in chemistry. But what about the companies that make these products – are they working to improve energy efficiency in their own operations? You bet. America’s chemistry industry walks the talk when it comes to saving energy. Since 1974, […]
Tag Archives: Energy Efficiency
To get beyond CAFE to 2030, we’ll need this roadmap
Arguably the most influential force in the North American automotive market is the joint Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards which set emissions and miles per gallon (mpg) requirements for model year 2025 vehicles to more than 50 mpg. This rapid mpg increase, combined with ever present consumer demand for better performance and appealing styling […]
California’s test case misplaces priority by targeting energy-efficient spray foam
Eureka! It would seem that the motto of the state of California was in full force yesterday when the Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) announced, almost with fanfare, how very happy they were to name the first three products to serve as a “test case” for a new Safer Consumer Products Regulation. But, in […]
White House to establish new innovation institute for manufacture of advanced fiber-reinforced polymer composites
Innovations in energy efficiency – nearly every one made possible by chemistry – are reducing energy demand for our cars, homes and businesses. And recently, the White House announced an important step towards even greater efficiency across the American manufacturing sector. President Obama unveiled a new program through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that […]
Case study: Milliken polypropylene products deliver on efficiency and design
Energy efficiency is on the rise in America, thanks to recent legislative initiatives (see H.R. 2126 and S. 1000) and the emergence of public and private partnerships (see the Better Buildings Challenge) that can help Americans reduce our collective energy footprint. And of the hundreds if not thousands of energy-saving tools at our disposal today, […]
U.S. EIA: America’s plastics makers triple exports on half the energy
Data released today by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) confirms what U.S. plastics manufacturers have been seeing firsthand of late – solid growth in plastics production and exports, combined with improved efficiencies, which allow their businesses to draw less energy from our nation’s abundant natural gas supply. The graph above tells the story. The […]
House committee approves ‘Better Buildings Act’
Those who support energy efficiency legislation received welcome news from Congress this week in the form of a bill that would help save energy in America’s commercial buildings. H.R. 2126, the “Better Buildings Act of 2013,” was approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Tuesday morning. The bill directs the U.S. Department of […]
Milwaukee meets the challenge with energy efficiency initiatives
As cities across the country look to reduce their operating expenses in 2014 and beyond, one cost-cutting strategy that has proved particularly effective is energy efficiency. Through programs such as the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge, which encourages energy retrofits and other initiatives aimed at reducing energy use, cities like Milwaukee, Wisconsin are […]
U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa take down skyrocketing energy costs
As one of the largest energy consumers in the world, the U.S. Department of Defense has been working to find new, more affordable ways to use less energy, while enhancing military capabilities. Chemistry has contributed to many of these efforts with innovative, energy-saving technologies like spray polyurethane foam and rigid insulation for buildings, photovoltaic solutions […]
Wisconsin considers new energy conservation codes
On Tuesday, Dec. 10, the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code Council will meet in Madison to discuss changes to the state’s building code, such as updates to its residential energy conservation codes for new construction. Keeping these energy codes current would enhance the energy efficiency of buildings, saving substantial energy costs for homeowners. Updating energy codes […]
