The push toward green energy has been both a personal choice for many and a political requirement. New construction seems to automatically incorporate smart lighting and sustainable technology systems, but the ultimate environmental effort is renovation and retrofitting. 

Refurbishing existing buildings provides an opportunity to upgrade energy performance for generations to come. Modifying existing commercial buildings to improve energy efficiency or decrease energy demand will benefit owners in the long run financially and structurally. 

Retrofits are also the best time to install distributed generation to a building and reduce operational costs. We are seeing more renovation projects every year designed to help communities celebrate the character and charm of old buildings while also enjoying new technology.

New federal tax credits that are part of the Inflation Reduction Act provide additional incentives for developers and homeowners to replace current appliances with electric upgrades. According to the U.S. Bureau of Energy, an estimated 75% of U.S. buildings will be new or renovated by 2035 to abide by federal building energy codes and requirements.

The New York City government states that approximately two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions in the city are produced by buildings. Over the last five years, the government there has implemented ambitious emissions regulations, banning gas connections in new buildings and capping how much existing buildings can emit. By 2027, all new buildings will need to be fully electric. Officials say those changes will help the city reduce building emissions by 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.

As society aims to turn away from fossil fuels, the growing demand on our nation’s electrical grid is one of many factors creating strain on our industry workforce. When implemented correctly, energy codes and regulations are expected to relieve some of that demand for our nation’s natural resources. Our electrical professionals and workers are the key to ensuring the future of our country’s infrastructure is safe and sustainable.