Mechanical Insulation Audit Program can save taxpayer dollars

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke with host Ed “Flash” Ferenc about the LMCT’s new Mechanical Insulation Energy Audit Program. Ielmini also gave an update on the status of the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act.

The Mechanical Insulation Audit Energy Program is a joint initiative with the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers (IAHFIAW) and the LMCT. It aims to educate energy managers and building owners on the benefits of Mechanical Insulation. 

Ielmini stressed the importance of Mechanical Insulation Energy Audits as they provide concrete data that proves what the Insulators and LMCT have preached to energy consumers for years – Mechanical Insulation saves money by providing a strong return on investment, helps the environment and increases the life of mechanical systems. 

These audits identify missing or damaged Mechanical Insulation in a building which, Ielmini said, is increasingly common. 

The LMCT has hired two individuals to train Insulator Union officers and Union members and their affiliated contractors while they simultaneously collect data to build the program. 

Anyone interested in having an energy audit performed on their building can click here to learn more.

Federal Mechanical Insulation Act update

Ielmini said the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act continues to receive bipartisan support and believes it will likely be pushed through Congress by the end of 2023. 

If passed and signed into law, the legislation would ensure that future energy audits performed on all federal buildings include Mechanical Insulation. The FMIA could create an influx of work hours and improve working conditions for union Insulators. 

The bill was initially reintroduced into the House by Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas) and Rep. Linda T. Sanchez (D-Calif.) on July 14. 

There is at least one Senator interested in sponsoring companion legislation in the U.S. Senate, and will likely commit to sponsor that legislation in the next month, Ielmini said. 

Listen to the entire interview: