Building Action, a coalition of construction sector stakeholders including SMACNA, sent a letter to congressional leaders urging them to adopt several clean building energy provisions. The measures outlined were included in the Build Back Better legislation proposed by President Joe Biden and later passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. The letter, written to leaders including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), outlined several proposals that Building Action believes are crucial. These include tax incentives to finance green building projects, federal assistance to improve community buildings such as schools and government offices, and funding sustainability initiatives for federal construction projects. SMACNA has resources available for review on several of these topics.
According to Building Action’s letter, buildings account for 40 percent of America’s Greenhouse gas emissions and 70 percent of energy consumption.
Building Action is made up of entities such as commercial building owners, design groups, faith-based organizations, and associations such as SMACNA.
