Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
6.3.2.8 U.S. Energy Star
Energy Star is an international standard for energy-efficient consumer
products that originated in the United States. It was first created as a U.S.
government programme by the Clinton administration in 1992, but Australia,
Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan, and the EU have also adopted the pro-
gramme. Devices carrying the Energy Star logo, such as computer products
and peripherals, kitchen appliances, buildings and other products, generally
use 20%-30% less energy than required by federal standards. However, many
European targeted products are labelled using a different standard, a com-
bined energy usage and ergonomics rating from the Swedish Confederation
of Professional Employees (TCO) instead of Energy Star.
6.3.2.8.1 History
The Energy Star programme was created in 1992 by the U.S. EPA in an
attempt to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission by
power plants; the programme's goal was to demonstrate the potential for
profit in reducing greenhouse gases and to facilitate further steps in reduc-
ing global warming gases.
Initiated as a voluntary labelling programme designed to identify and pro-
mote energy-efficient products, Energy Star began with labels for computer
products. In 1995, the programme was significantly expanded, introducing
labels for residential heating and cooling systems and for new homes. As of
2012, more than 65,000 Energy Star products were available in a wide range
of items including major appliances, office equipment, lighting, home elec-
tronics and more. In addition, the label can also be found on new homes and
on commercial and industrial buildings. In 2012, about 25% of new housing
in the United States was labelled Energy Star.
The EPA estimates that it saved about $20 billion in energy costs in 2012
alone. The Energy Star programme has helped spread the use of light-emitting
diode (LED) traffic lights, efficient fluorescent lighting, power management
systems for office equipment and low standby energy use.
In 2008, the EPA announced the Green Power Partnership programme,
which was designed to help achieve its goal of encouraging the use of renew-
able power sources. The renewable energy credits allow companies without
direct access to renewable power to achieve their goals. However, to avoid
companies buying Renewable Energy Centers (RECs) years in advance of
any of the hypothetical power ever being produced, RECs are only accepted
into the programme when the actual equivalent renewable power will be
produced.
6.3.2.8.2 Specifications
Energy Star specifications differ with each item and are set by either the EPA
or the U.S. DOE. The following sections highlight product and specification
information available on the Energy Star website.
