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Energy Star
The Energy Star logo is placed on energy-efficient products.
HistoryThe Energy Star program was created in 1992 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in an attempt to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission by power plants. The program was developed by John S. Hoffman, inventor of the Green Programs at US EPA, and implemented by Cathy Zoi and Brian Johnson. The program was intended to be part of a series of voluntary programs, such as Green Lights and the Methane Programs, that would demonstrate the potential for profit in reducing greenhouse gases and facilitate further steps to reducing global warming gases. Initiated as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy efficient products, Energy Star began with labels for computer products. In 1995 the program was significantly expanded, introducing labels for residential heating and cooling systems and new homes.[2] As of 2006, more than 40,000 Energy Star products are available in a wide range of items including major appliances, office equipment, lighting, home electronics, and more. In addition, the label can also be found on new homes and commercial and industrial buildings. In 2006, about 12 percent of new housing in the United States was labeled Energy Star.[3] The EPA estimates that it saved about $14 billion in energy costs in 2006 alone. The Energy Star program has helped spread the use of LED traffic lights, efficient fluorescent lighting, power management systems for office equipment, and low standby energy use.[4] SpecificationsEnergy Star specifications differ with each item, and are set by either the Environmental Protection Agency or the Department of Energy. The following highlights product and specification information available on the Energy Star website. AppliancesAs of early 2008, average refrigerators need 20% savings over the minimum standard. Dishwashers need at least 41% savings. Most appliances as well as heating and cooling systems have a yellow EnergyGuide label showing the annual cost of operation compared to other models. This label is created through the Department of Energy and often shows if an appliance is ENERGY STAR.[5] Heating and Cooling SystemsEnergy Star Heat pumps, boilers, air conditioning systems, and furnaces are available. In addition, cooling and heating bills can be significantly lowered with ENERGY STAR air sealing and duct sealing. Air sealing reduces the outdoor air that penetrates a building, and duct sealing prevents attic or basement air from entering ducts and lessening the heating/cooling system?s efficiency. Energy Star room air conditioners are at least 10% more energy efficient than the minimum U.S. federal government standards.[6] Home ElectronicsEnergy Star televisions use 30% less energy than average. In November 2008, television specifications will be improved to limit on-mode power use, in addition to standby power which is limited by the current specifications. A wider range of Energy Star televisions will be available. Other Energy Star home electronics include cordless phones, battery chargers, VCRs and external power adapters, most of which use 90% less energy. LightingEnergy Star fluorescent lighting uses 75% less energy and lasts up to ten times longer than normal incandescent lights. Home officeA new Energy Star specification for desktop computers went into effect 20 July, 2007.[7] The requirements are more stringent than the previous specification and existing equipment designs can no longer use the logo unless re-qualified. The power requirements are for 80% or greater AC power supply efficiency using the standards defined by 80 Plus Program.[8] New HomesNew homes that meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency can qualify for ENERGY STAR certification. An ENERGY STAR qualified home uses at least 15% less energy than standard homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC). They usually include properly installed insulation, high performance windows, tight construction and ducts, energy efficient cooling and heating systems, and ENERGY STAR appliances, lighting, and water heaters. [9] Energy Performance RatingsThe US EPA's ENERGY STAR program has developed energy performance rating systems for several commercial and institutional building types and manufacturing facilities. These ratings, on a scale of 1 to 100, provide a means for benchmarking the energy efficiency of specific buildings and industrial plants against the energy performance of similar facilities. The ratings are used by building and energy managers to evaluate the energy performance of existing buildings and industrial plants. The rating systems are also used by EPA to determine if a building or plant can qualify to earn ENERGY STAR recognition. [10] BuildingsCommercial and institutional buildings rating have been developed for the following common building types[11]: Bank/Financial Institutions, Courthouses, Hospitals (acute care and children?s), Hotels and Motels, K-12 Schools, Medical Offices, Offices, Residence Halls/Dormitories, Retail Stores, Supermarkets, and Warehouses (refrigerated and non-refrigerated). ENERGY STAR energy performance ratings have be incorporated into some green buildings standards, such as LEED for Existing Buildings. Industrial FacilitiesEnergy performance ratings have been released for the following industrial facilities[12]: Automobile assembly plants, Cement Plants, and Corn Refineries(Wet Corn Mills). Other FacilitiesMunicipal Wastewater Treatment Plants See also
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