Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), appeared on America’s Work Force Union Podcast and gave an update on the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act (FMIA). He also spoke about a Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act (MIIIA) and how Mechanical Insulation could help make a Chicagoland area school safer.
Earlier this month, Ielmini spent two days speaking with members of Congress on the benefits of the FMIA. So far, he as visited with 20 different legislators and has scheduled visits with another 12. He is targeting members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, where the bill was assigned.
Ielmini also told AWF host Ed “Flash” Ferenc that 10 to 30 percent of Mechanical Insulation is often missing in buildings, including schools. This is often due to either improper initial installation or removal for maintenance and overall neglect, which results in substantial energy wastage.
He explained that the proper application of Mechanical Insulation can result in substantial financial benefits. For example, a 4-inch pipe carrying 400-degree steam that has a single foot of missing mechanical insulation can cost between $400 and $600 in higher energy bills. Properly installed Mechanical Insulation can return the investment to the institution in as little as two years.
To help further convince building owners to install or replace missing or damaged Mechanical Insualtion, the LMCT has been meeting with members of Congress about a Mechanical Installation Incentive Bill. It would offer tax credits for the Installation of Mechanical Insulation. This bill could bring further financial incentives to institutions through the investment in Mechanical Insulation. He believes the bill will likely be introduced before the end of the month.
Mechanical Insulation and school safety
While on the topic of savings, Ielmini spoke about a recent experience where he sat on a panel during a meeting of school district engineers in the Chicagoland area. Not surprisingly, the subject of security came up.
The engineers wanted to use security services that incorporate artificial intelligence, however, the costs were too high.
Ielmini then explained the benefits of Mechanical Insulation and the savings that could realized through the installation of Mechanical Insulation. He offered to perform an energy audit at one of the schools in the district and show the engineers how much money they could save. Ielmini believes that once the savings were added up, they could then be used to purchase and install the much-needed security upgrades.
Listen to Ielmini’s entire interview: