On Dec. 17, 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) finalized new negotiated energy conservation standards for commercial air conditioners and heat pumps and commercial warm-air furnaces, otherwise known as rooftop units (RTUs). The department estimates the new efficiency standards for RTUs will save businesses as much as $167 billion in energy costs over the lifetime of the equipment — more than any other efficiency standard issued to date. Additionally, carbon pollution will be reduced enough over the next 30 years to offset the annual carbon dioxide emissions of more than 120 million homes.
This announcement “marks the largest energy-saving standard in history and demonstrates that America is leading the effort to reduce energy costs and cut carbon emissions,” said Ernest Moniz, U.S. energy secretary. “This rule also shows that strong public-private partnerships can reap environmental and economic dividends and drive technology breakthroughs.”