ENERGY STAR

The ENERGY STAR program is collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The program helps all save money on our energy bills, and protects the environment through energy efficient products and practices.

The ENERGY STAR program is making a significant impact on the environment.

• In 2008, American consumers saved enough energy with the help of ENERGY STAR to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equal to the emissions from 29 million cars. 
• Not only did the program impact the environment, it saved Americans $19 billion dollars on utility bills.

ENERGY STAR is often thought of as an endorsement on an appliance. While this is true, new homes can be ENERGY STAR certified.

• To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 
• These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes.

Business can also benefit from following ENERGY STAR guidelines. Commercial buildings have a significant impact on the environment. EPA’s ENERGY STAR partnership offers a proven energy management strategy that helps in measuring current energy performance, setting goals, tracking savings, and rewarding improvements.

EPA provides an innovative energy performance rating system which businesses have already used for more than 96,000 buildings across the country. EPA also recognizes top performing buildings with the ENERGY STAR.

For more information on this program, please visit the ENERGY STAR website at www.energystar.gov.