Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency created the Energy Star program in 1992 in an attempt to reduce
energy consumption and, thus, greenhouse gases emitted by power plants. Starting as a voluntary labeling pro-
gram to identify and promote energy-efficient products, Energy Star first labeled computer products and ex-
panded in 1995 to include residential heating and cooling systems. More than 40,000 Energy Star products are
available today, including major appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers), heating and cooling systems, office
equipment, electronics, lighting, and more. In addition, the label can be found on new homes as well as on
commercial and industrial buildings. In 2006, 12 percent of new homes were labeled Energy Star compliant.
The Energy Star program is credited with the spread of LED traffic lights, compact fluorescent lighting, and
power management systems for office equipment.
Energy Star has become an international standard for energy-efficient consumer products originating in the Un-
ited States. Other countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the European Union, have
developed similar programs. Products carrying the U.S. Energy Star logo generally use 20 percent to 30 per-
cent less energy than required by federal standards.
Many programs are available to help homeowners take advantage of converting to Energy Star appliances and
other energy-saving devices. These include state and federal tax rebates for installing new refrigerators, wash-
ers and dryers, heating and cooling systems, and multi-paned windows; also, there are programs to help mitig-
ate the cost of installing solar panels on homes.
However, even with rebates and assistance programs, solar panels can be expensive, and the payback in re-
duced energy costs may take many years. To create similar energy conservation, homeowners may well be ad-
vised to start by determining ways to reduce energy usage. Can insulation be added to reduce energy for heat-
ing and cooling? Are windows single-paned? How old is their heating and cooling system? How old are the ap-
pliances? It might be more cost-effective and energy wise to make these changes before installing solar panels.
Corporate Average Fuel Economy
The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations were first enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1975,
partly in response to the 1973 Arab oil embargo, and with the goal of improving the fuel economy of cars and
light trucks. The "light trucks" group includes trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) sold in the United
States. Fuel economy is expressed in miles per gallon (mpg) and the CAFE is based on the manufacturer's fleet
of current-year-model passenger cars or light trucks under 8,500 pounds (3.856 kg) manufactured for sale in
the United States.
The United States and Canada have the least strict CAFE standards among developed nations. The U.S. stand-
ard is 25 mpg, while the European Union standard is 45 mpg, and the Japanese standard is even higher.
However, the United States and Canada have the strictest emissions standards in terms of parts per million
(ppm) of pollutants. Some high-mileage vehicles in Europe would not meet the U.S. emissions standards; Cali-
fornia has even tighter emissions standards. There may be a tradeoff between improved gas mileage and pollu-
tion control.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulates the CAFE standards, while the En-
vironmental Protection Agency (EPA) measures the vehicle fuel efficiency for the fleets. Congress has speci-
fied that the CAFE regulations must be set at a "maximum feasible level" and consider the following criteria:
• Technological feasibility
• Economic practicality
• Effect of other standards on fuel economy
