‘A New Age’ of Energy Saving

Your editorial is a timely review of the benefits of energy conservation.

However, California developers, contrary to public belief, are intimately familiar with the most stringent energy regulations in this country. After all, they could not get building permits if they did not meet the tough state energy code.

Building industry associations throughout the state are attempting to simplify the approval process to broaden use of new energy-conserving materials and equipment. In 1983, the building industry developed a way to calculate energy conservation which is now considered an ideal model for future regulations.

The real issue is how to educate the public on the benefits of energy conservation. According to a leading research laboratory, 50% of residential energy consumption is a function of life style, regardless of the energy-saving devices installed by builders.

Most of the energy waste comes from houses built before 1978. No significant energy reduction campaign has been directed to this segment, only token incentives.

How can we stop the current trend toward more electrical appliances, wasteful packaging and larger, gas-guzzling cars?

Politicians will not do it for fear of voter rebellion. Manufacturers will not do it because of enormous targeting costs.

Educating the public is a task The Times could initiate. Please put your pen and energy to work and start the process.

MEL WYNN

President

Building Industry Assn.

of Southern California