In 2006 alone Energy Star saved consumers over $14 billion on their utility bills. Translated into greenhouse gas emissions, in 2006 Energy Star prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 25 million cars. An Energy Star rated device can save between 15-75% over comparable devices.
Energy Star is a United States government program to promote energyefficient consumer products. Most consumers are familiar with thebright blue logo that appears on numerous computer products and homeappliances.
Energy Star was originally created in 1992 by the US Environmental Protection Agency or EPA.It was as an attempt to reduce energy consumption and as a functiongreenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide. John S. Hoffman, inventor of the Green Programs at the US EPA, is credited with the development of the Energy Star.
Why does generating electricity cause greenhouse gases?
While it's possible to generate electricity in many "green" ways thenumber one source of US electricity is coal. In 2006, nearly half (49%)of the country's4.1 trillion kilowatt hours of electricity used coal as its source ofenergy. Coal-fired power plants are the primary source of the principalglobal warming pollutant, carbon dioxide.
The History of Energy Star
Starting with computer products in 1992 Energy Star initiated avoluntary labeling program. The goal being to allow consumers to easilyidentify energy efficient products.
In 1995 Energy Star was expanded significantly. The expansionincluded labels for residential heating and cooling system as well asnew homes. Today Energy Star has grown to include more than 40,000products in 50 product categories.
Energy Star has grown into more than just a voluntary labelingsystem. Energy Star has partnered with and provides technicalinformation and tools to more than 9,000 private and public sectororganizations. Energy Star encourages more than just energy-efficientsolutions, they also offer best management practices.
In the US, Energy Star, has become common in our society. EnergyStar has been the driving force behind such new technologies as LEDtraffic lights, efficient fluorescent lighting, power managementsystems for office equipment, and low standby energy use.
Energy Star is always evolving as our technologies evolve. RecentlyEnergy Star has grown to include specifications for commercialgriddles, decorative light strings, enterprise servers and solid statelighting. In November 2007 Energy Star expanded its televisionspecification to include standby power use.
Does Energy Star really help?
Yes - in 2006 alone Energy Star saved consumers over $14 billion ontheir utility bills. Translated into greenhouse gas emissions, in 2006Energy Star prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from25 million cars. An Energy Star rated device can save between 15-75%over comparable devices.
Energy Star for the Home
The US-GBCestimates just a 2-7% increase in materials cost to build "green" whencompared to traditional options. Energy efficient choices help familiessave about a third on their energy bill with similar savings ofgreenhouse gas emissions while maintaining style and comfort. EnergyStar helps consumers quickly and easily identify the energy efficientchoices they have when purchasing. Consumers can trust products ratedby Energy Star deliver the same or better performance as comparablemodels while using less energy and also saving money.
Key Energy Star Product Specifications
- Appliances: Energy Star refrigerators need 15% over minimum standards, Dishwashers 41%. Look for the yellow EnergyGuide label that shows the annual cost of operation.
- Heatingand Cooling Systems: Generally the source of the lions share of yourenergy consumption (in some cases up to 90%), Energy Star, covers heatpumps, boilers, air conditioning systems, and furnaces.
- Home Electronics: Energy Star home electronics generally use 30% less energy then minimum standards.
- Lighting: Energy Star lighting uses 75% less energy and last up to ten times longer then incandescent lights.
- Buildings: Energy Star rates complete buildings - these buildings use at least 15% less energy than standard buildings.
Is Energy Star the only standard?
On an international scale Energy Star is similar to the TCO Certification. The TCO Certification combines both energy rating and ergonomic rations from the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO). The TCOCertification is generally associated with computer monitors but inmore recent years has grown to include computers, keyboards, printers,mobile phones and office furniture.
Article Tags: Energy Star, Energy Efficient, Less Energy
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