+ Energy Star

What is Energy Star?

Energy Star is a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy aimed at helping consumers choose energy efficient products. Their goal is to protect the environment while saving people money. Energy Star has created an approval system for household and office products based on energy efficiency and reducing of greenhouse gases. Products that meet their strict efficiency requirements are awarded with an Energy Star Label.

Energy Star was first introduced as a voluntary labeling program in 1992. It was initially only used for computers and monitors. By the mid 1990s Energy Star expanded to include office equipment and residential heating/cooling systems. Currently, the Energy Star program covers 50 product categories and thousands of models including all major appliances, office equipment, lighting, home electronics, and most recently, houses and commercial buildings.




What qualifies products for an Energy Star rating?

Each product category that Energy Star covers has its own set of requirements to meet in order to qualify for a rating. However, they do have a few general rules that apply to all products and markets. To be Energy Star approved, products must be about 30% more energy efficient than the majority of their competitors with similar performance and product features and without costing significantly more. More comprehensive product specific requirements are available on their website (www.energystar.gov).

Rating requirements are updated on a regular basis. As certain product categories become more energy efficient in general, Energy Star tightens its technological requirements to reflect these changes. Requirements are also updated as the way in which we use products changes. For example, as the number of hours a day that people spend on computers rises, Energy Star has adjusted its computer rating requirements to include efficiency of operating and idle modes, on top of their general power supply energy efficiency requirements.


What is an EnergyGuide?

Along with an Energy Star label, some approved products also come with an EnergyGuide. This yellow label estimates how much energy products will use annually, positions the product's efficiency in terms of the most and least efficient comparable products, and estimates the annual operating costs of using that product.



How is Energy Star making a difference?

Energy Star is taking the risk out of purchasing environmentally friendly alternatives. Energy Star approval labels guarantee that a product has the same performance as its competitors, but operates at higher efficiency. The simplicity of the Energy Star system allows people to make informed environmental decisions without having to do a lot of research or comparisons. In April 2007, Energy Star stated that public awareness and understanding of its Energy Star Label exceeded 65% in America.

Using Energy Star products can save consumers approximately 1/3 on their energy bill. They also reduce the strain on energy companies by cutting down our consumption, in turn cutting down greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.