NECA votes to think greener

The governing board of the National Electrical Contractors Assn. (NECA) voted to encourage a drive toward greener electricity--including modernizing the national electrical grid, and lobbying for increased energy independence.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff October 13, 2008

At its Oct. 4 annual meeting, the Board of Governors of NECA voted to pass an association-wide policy that calls for greater energy independence.

The policy encourages investment in renewable and alternative energy products, modernizing and securing the national electric grid, and actively working to decrease U.S. reliance on oil and energy resources from other countries. According to NECA executive director of marketing Rob Colgan, the move reinforces a commitment to environmentally friendly energies that electricians already have been demonstrating.

“NECA was an early industry leader in the development of photovoltaic solar technologies and continues to provide comprehensive solutions to customers that address the need to conserve, utilize efficiently, and safely distribute domestic forms of clean energy,” he said.

The formal resolution had been recommended by participants at the Energy Solutions Summit the organization hosted in July to explore the opportunities and existing expertise NECA members have already applied to the green construction market.

The resolution wasn’t the only green-minded move made at the meeting. In addition to adopting the energy independence policy, NECA’s annual convention and tradeshow focused on energy conservation and efficiency, green technology, and renewable energy production. The “Green Alley” on the NECA Show floor spotlighted environmentally friendly products and services, and attendees could attend a number of technical and management seminars on green electrical topics.