Let’s imagine two futures: The first is for the U.S. to continue to be a world innovator in HVACR technology. In this scenario, we continue our present path to a low-GWP [global warming potential] future.
Most of the world’s governments continue to work toward a low-carbon future, making international pledges and enacting policies to encourage energy efficiency, reduce the use of coal, and employ renewable generation technologies.
Unprecedented. Unconventional. Chaotic. Exhausting. Whatever adjective you use to describe them, the first 100 days of the Trump presidency were a crazy time for our nation. People across the country — and around the world — have watched and tried to understand the policy directions of this White House. What have the first 100 days meant for the HVACR industry and what do they portend for the future?
Recently, the Trump administration announced plans to defund Energy Star. The administration claims it is not a priority for taxpayer dollars and actually lumps it into the category of ‘lower priority and poorly performing programs.’ But, 25 years of Energy Star experience tells a much different tale.
In a few days, world leaders will assemble with the goal of reaching an international agreement that will impact the way we live, the structures we build, and certainly the type of HVACR systems we will produce and sell.
The Clean Power Plan will change the way the U.S. generates and uses electricity. No time could be more opportune than now to begin working on the national level and with the states to help them develop their plans.
It’s looking more likely that there will be a global agreement to phase down HFCs, and it could come as early as this year or possibly next; either way, it’s coming.