Source:  Washington Energy Services

Provisions in the federal stimulus package are expected to provide considerable benefits to heating and air conditioning specialists in New York and elsewhere, according to recent reports. 

This week, the New York Times reported that Mayor Michael Bloomberg has unveiled a "Greener, Greater Buildings" plan that will focus on providing energy efficient retrofits to existing buildings, which are said to account for as much as 80 percent of the city's carbon emissions. 

The newspaper also notes that the city plans to create a "green work force" to help implement provisions of the federal stimulus bill involving home weatherization and other priorities. Overall, the city reportedly hopes to reduce greenhouse emissions from buildings by 5 percent by 2030, even though 1 million additional residents are expected to be living there at that point. 

Another part of the plan is said to be a requirement that buildings over 50,000 square feet receive energy audits every ten years and to be subject to certain energy efficiency standards. 

High carbon emissions from older buildings nationwide are a fairly consistent trend that has received a growing amount of attention in the current drive towards improved energy efficiency. Home and business owners have many different options to consider when it comes to fighting greenhouse gas emissions and saving money, from efficient doors and windows to clean natural gas and solar energy systems.