Everett, Wash.-based Fluke Corp. has joined the national Efficiency First trade association as a major financial supporter and partner.

Efficiency First is a national nonprofit trade association with the goal of bringing together contractors, building product manufacturers and related businesses in an effort to combat global warming and rising energy costs. The association represents its members in public policy discussions at the state and national levels to promote the benefits of efficiency retrofitting and to help the industry grow to meet the demand for residential energy improvements.

“Fluke is very excited to partner with Efficiency First and its private and governmental member organizations to promote energy efficiency best practices and work toward an energy-efficient future,” said Michael Stuart, senior product manager for Fluke’s thermography division. “We feel strongly that Fluke test tools and training programs will help Efficiency First complete its important mission.”

Efficiency First officials said residential efficiency improvements could reduce energy waste in most homes by 20 percent to 40 percent. The association said it believes that a nationwide initiative to improve the efficiency of America’s 128 million homes has the potential to unlock significant reductions in building-related greenhouse gas emissions, improve national security by reducing dependence on foreign oil, and generate long-term energy savings for American consumers.