On March 2, 2010 President Obama outlined energy efficient improvements that would qualify for the new HomeStar® Program. Sadly, awnings were not mentioned.
Like the home improvements he did include in his speech, awnings reduce energy consumption. A study by the Center for Sustainable Building Research at the University of Minnesota determined awnings could save more than 20% of a structure’s cooling costs.
President Obama also referred to the work created for small business through the HomeStar® Program. Many awning companies are like mine, small, family-owned shops that manufacture awnings and canopies on site with local craftsman and then install them using local labor.
At a time when Americans rarely manufacture anything in America, the awning and canopy industry is proof we can.
With an energy credit for awnings and canopies, we could reduce energy costs and create jobs.
Tell your lawmakers you want energy-saving canopies and awnings included in the HomeStar® Program. Write to me at michael@parasolawnings for a sample letter you can send to the people who represent you in Washington.
Michael Folk
President, Parasol Awnings
Tags: awnings, canopies, energy conservation, materials
