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News and Announcements

Public Awareness of ENERGY STAR Label Exceeds 75 percent (April 2009)

Public awareness of EPA's ENERGY STAR label remains strong, reaching more than 75 percent of U.S. households, according to a recent nationwide survey. Last year, more than 35 percent of US households knowingly purchased an ENERGY STAR labeled product, with 80 percent of purchasers reporting they are likely to recommend ENERGY STAR qualified products to others.

EPA launches New Campaign to Educate Kids on Fighting Climate Change (April 2009)

On April 18, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson kicked off the 2009 "Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR" campaign to educate kids and their families about how to save money and fight climate change through energy efficiency. This year, EPA is partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTO Today) to work with America's youth in the fight against climate change. Boys and Girls Clubs of America will engage its young members in service projects to educate youth and their communities about the benefits of energy efficiency.

Boys and Girls Club of America children with EPA administrators EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson teaches a girl about energy-efficient CFLs

EPA Announces New Requirements for ENERGY STAR Qualified Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers (April 2009)

EPA announced new ENERGY STAR requirements for commercial refrigerators and freezers which, on average, are more than 30 percent higher than federal minimum standards. If all commercial refrigerators and freezers sold in the United States met this ENERGY STAR specification, the energy bill savings would grow to $275 million per year, and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from nearly 400,000 vehicles. These requirements are effective January 1, 2010, the same date that new federal standards take effect. New to the scope of products covered under the ENERGY STAR Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers specification are glass door refrigerators and freezers — typically found in convenience stores, supermarkets and restaurants. Glass door models may begin qualifying as ENERGY STAR beginning April 1, 2009.

ENERGY STAR Make a Cool Change: Recycle Your Old Fridge Campaign (April 2009)

The U.S. Department of Energy encourages every American who owns an old, inefficient refrigerator or freezer to take another step — to save money, energy and the environment by properly recycling that old fridge or freezer and replacing it with a new ENERGY STAR qualified model.

New Report: Profiles in Leadership Recognizing ENERGY STAR Winners (March 2009)

EPA released a new report profiling leading organizations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. The report: "Profiles in Leadership, 2009 ENERGY STAR Award Winners," highlights 89 organizations across many sectors of the U.S. economy, including schools, hospitals, real estate, manufacturing, chemicals, and home building. The report offers insights into this diverse set of winners and their energy-efficient approaches and practices. The awards will be presented on March 31, 2009 in Washington, D.C.

EPA Announces new ENERGY STAR requirements for computer monitors, digital picture frames and other displays (March 2009)

EPA has issued new requirements for computer monitors, digital picture frames and other displays to earn the ENERGY STAR label. On average, ENERGY STAR qualified products will be 20 percent more energy efficient than conventional options. If all displays sold in the United States meet this new specification, the energy savings would grow to about $1 billion each year and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from nearly 1.5 million vehicles.

First Four Pharmaceutical Plants Earn EPA'S ENERGY STAR (March 2009)

The EPA is recognizing the first four pharmaceutical plants to earn the ENERGY STAR for performing in the top 25 percent of energy performance nationwide. Compared to similar pharmaceutical plants across the country, these facilities on average use nearly 35 percent less energy and together prevent the equivalent of 40,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

The plants are:

  • Allergan's Waco, TX facility
  • AstraZeneca's Worcester, MA plant
  • AstraZeneca's Newark, DE plant
  • Schering-Plough's Cleveland, TN facility

EPA Press Release

More information on ENERGY STAR's Pharmaceutical Focus

EPA Unveils Top 25 U.S. Cities with Most ENERGY STAR Buildings in 2008 (March 2009)

Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Washington DC, and Dallas-Fort Worth lead EPA's list of the twenty-five U.S. metropolitan areas with the largest numbers of buildings qualifying for EPA's ENERGY STAR in 2008. These buildings typically use 35 percent less energy and emit 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than average buildings. In total the buildings and plants earning the ENERGY STAR in 2008 represent savings of more than $1 billion in utility bills and more than 7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

ENERGY STAR Qualified Set-top Boxes Bring Consumers Greater Savings and Entertainment (January 2009)

A new ENERGY STAR specification for cable, satellite, and telecommunications set-top boxes that deliver television and video content was effective on January 1, 2009. ENERGY STAR qualified set-top boxes are at least 30 percent more energy-efficient than conventional models. If all set-top boxes sold in the United States met the new ENERGY STAR requirements, the savings in energy costs would grow to about $2 billion each year and greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by the equivalent of those from about 2.5 million vehicles.

From Muskogee to Manhattan: ENERGY STAR Leaders Grow in Numbers
(December 2008)

EPA's list of ENERGY STAR Leaders for 2008 has grown to encompass 65 organizations from across the country, in small towns and big cities alike. School districts dominate the list, comprising two-thirds of all recognized organizations. Commercial real estate companies, healthcare systems, supermarket operators, and hoteliers are also recognized. These Leaders are avoiding more than 580 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions — equal to those from the electricity use of nearly 35,000 U.S. homes — and saving almost $50 million annually.

Agreement with LG Electronics: ENERGY STAR label removed from several refrigerator models (November 2008)

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and LG Electronics, USA, Inc. (LG) reached an agreement on November 14 to resolve concerns related to energy usage measurements by LG on its French-Door refrigerators with icemakers. As a result of this agreement, LG will suspend its use of the ENERGY STAR label on these models.

Give the Gift of ENERGY STAR this Holiday Season (November 2008)

EPA is encouraging everyone to put the environment on their gift list before heading to the mall. The ENERGY STAR on products such as home electronics and office equipment make it easy to choose a gift for a loved one and help Mother Earth. With ENERGY STAR throughout the home, the typical homeowner can save more than 30 percent, or about $700 on annual energy bills, all while giving a gift to the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Shop for these ENERGY STAR qualified products:

ENERGY STAR TVs Now Even More Energy Efficient (October 2008)

Effective November 1, 2008, the ENERGY STAR label on televisions will designate the most efficient TVs in terms of overall energy use, rather than just "off" or standby mode energy use. In 2009, if all televisions sold in the United States met the new ENERGY STAR requirements, the savings in energy costs would be about $1 billion and greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by the equivalent of about 1 million cars.

ENERGY STAR Announces New Specification for Imaging Products (October 2008)

EPA announced a revised specification for ENERGY STAR qualified imaging equipment. Effective July 1, 2009, imaging products — printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines, and all-in-one devices — that have earned the ENERGY STAR will be 14 percent more efficient than current qualified models, while continuing to deliver the features and functionality consumers have come to expect. If all imaging products sold in the United States met the new specification, consumers would save nearly $500 million a year in energy costs and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 500,000 cars.

Nearly Two Million Americans Have Pledged To Change A Light (October 2008)

EPA celebrates the 4th annual ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day on October 1, by recognizing the more than 1.8 million Americans who have already pledged to change at least one light at home to an ENERGY STAR qualified light. Together these actions will save $220 million dollars in energy bills and prevent the release of 3 billion pounds of greenhouse gases. EPA is now challenging Americans to take the newly expanded ENERGY STAR Pledge to do more in the fight against climate change by taking additional actions that will save them energy at home and at work.

2008 Small Business & Congregations Awards Announced (September 2008)

EPA announced thirteen winners of the 2008 ENERGY STAR Small Business and Congregation Awards. This year’s winners are recognized for doing their part to save energy and fight climate change through effective energy management practices and innovative efficiency solutions. Together, these award winning organizations reduced annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 860 tons, equivalent to the CO2 emissions from the average energy use of more than 100 homes for one year. The winners also demonstrated that improving energy efficiency is an effective low cost solution, even in the face of significantly expanded business operations. Financial savings for this year’s winners totaled more than $160,000 in annual energy costs.

EPA invites Americans to Bring their Green to Work (September 2008)

EPA introduced a new online tool, ENERGY STAR @ Work, to provide Americans with tips and information on how to save energy and protect the environment in the workplace. Energy use in commercial buildings and manufacturing plants accounts for nearly half of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 50 percent of energy consumption nationwide. With the average American worker spending almost 8 hours a day at their place of employment, the workplace offers a unique opportunity for people to make a significant impact in the fight against global warming.

Save on Summer Cooling Costs with a Programmable Thermostat (June 2008)

EPA is launching an effort to help Americans save on their summer cooling bills with advice on how to properly program their thermostat. When used correctly, ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats can save money on energy bills and help fight global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. If consumers manage their heating and cooling schedules accordingly, a programmable thermostat can save about $180 a year on home energy bills.

EPA Announces New Set-top box Requirements (April 2008)

EPA announced a new ENERGY STAR specification for cable, satellite, and internet protocol boxes, also called set-top boxes. Effective January 1, 2009, set-top boxes that carry the ENERGY STAR will be at least 30 percent more efficient than conventional models. For the first time, EPA will also partner with the cable, satellite and telecommunications companies that deliver consumers content. As ENERGY STAR partners, these companies agree to purchase or replace a significant number of set-top boxes — by offering newly qualified boxes to subscribers and/or by upgrading boxes already in homes — to help subscribers reduce their carbon footprint and save money.

DOE and Department of Defense Launch OPERATION CHANGE OUT (April 2008)

The U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of Defense have launched ENERGY STAR OPERATION CHANGE OUT — THE MILITARY CHALLENGE. This joint effort, launched Earth Day — April 22, 2008 — at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, encourages and helps servicemen and women save energy, money, and protect the environment by replacing inefficient, incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified models. Progress will be announced on October 1, 2008, ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day.

EPA Launches New Campaign in Fight Against Climate Change (April 2008)

EPA has launched a new national campaign to help Americans join in the fight against climate change. The campaign, "Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR" helps people make important energy-efficient changes at home and at work that can add up to significant reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases. The campaign builds on the success of the ENERGY STAR Change a Light campaign by providing a set of steps people can take to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

NAM & EPA Challenge U.S. Manufacturers to Save Energy (April 2008)

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed an agreement to promote energy savings in the industrial sector. NAM will challenge its 14,000 member companies to reduce energy use by 10 percent or more in cooperation with EPA’ ENERGY STAR Challenge. EPA estimates if the manufacturing industry reduced its energy use by 10 percent, manufacturers would save nearl $10.4 billion and enough energy to power nearly 10 million American homes for one year.

National Awareness of ENERGY STAR Increases to 70 percent (April 2008)

Public awareness of EPA's ENERGY STAR label continues to rise, reaching more than 70 percent of U.S. households, according to a recent nationwide survey. In many major markets where local utilities and other organizations use ENERGY STAR to promote energy efficiency to their customers, public awareness of ENERGY STAR is even higher, averaging nearly 80 percent. The report, "National Awareness of ENERGY STAR for 2007" presents an analysis of a survey commissioned by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, a non-profit organization that promotes the manufacture and purchase of energy-efficient products and services. This is the eighth year that the survey has been conducted.

ENERGY STAR Launches Low Carbon IT Campaign (April 2008)

Environmental Protection Agency is asking organizations to join the ENERGY STAR Low Carbon IT Campaign. By enabling the power management, or sleep mode, on their computers and monitors, organizations will help reduce our growing demand for electricity, and save money while fighting climate change. If all office computers and monitors in the U.S. were set to sleep when not being used, the country could save more than 44 billion kWh or $4 billion worth of electricity and avoid the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of about 5 million cars each year. Power management has the potential to save up to $50 per computer annually. Despite the significant savings, according to Lawrence Berkeley National Labs, only five to ten percent of U.S. organizations have deployed these settings.

New Report: Profiles in Leadership, Recognizing ENERGY STAR Winners (April 2008)

EPA released a new report profiling leading organizations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. The report: "Profiles in Leadership, 2008 ENERGY STAR Award Winners," highlights seventy-four organizations across many sectors of the US economy including schools, hospitals, real estate, manufacturing, chemicals and home building. The report offers insights into this diverse set of winners and their energy-efficient approaches and practices. ENERGY STAR award winners were chosen from more than 12,000 partners in the ENERGY STAR program and include Lowes, PepsiCo, Food Lion, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Marriott International, Inc., and 3M. The awards will be presented on April 1, 2008 in Washington, D.C.

ENERGY STAR Tool for Drinking Water and Wastewater Facilities (February 2008)

America’s drinking water and wastewater facilities can now save energy and reduce their carbon footprint with expanded tools available from EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program. Enhancements to Portfolio Manager, the Agency’s popular energy tracking tool for commercial facilities, allow water utilities to track energy use and associated carbon emissions, set targets for investment priorities, and verify efficiency improvements. Water and wastewater facilities are energy intensive, accounting for more than one-third of municipal energy use. Improving the energy efficiency of America’s drinking water and wastewater systems by 10 percent would save about $400 million and more than 5 billion kWh annually.

Green Choices Grow with ENERGY STAR Qualified Buildings (February 2008)

The number of commercial buildings and manufacturing plants to earn the ENERGY STAR for superior energy efficiency is up by more than 25 percent in the past year and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced has reached an all-time high of more than 25 billion pounds. Nearly 4,100 buildings and manufacturing plants have earned the EPA’s ENERGY STAR through the end of 2007, with the addition of more than 1,400 in 2007 alone. They include about 1,500 office buildings, 1,300 supermarkets, 820 K-12 schools, and 250 hotels.

New TV Spec for ENERGY STAR (February 2008)

EPA has finalized a revision to the ENERGY STAR specification for TVs. Effective November 1, 2008, TVs that carry the ENERGY STAR label will be up to 30 percent more efficient than conventional models and will save energy while they are on and when they are off (stand by and active modes).

ENERGY STAR CFLs reach 20 percent Market Share (January 2008)

Americans are more than making good on their pledges to help fight climate change by replacing their light bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs). EPA estimates that ENERGY STAR CFL sales for 2007 were nearly double what they were in 2006, accounting for about 20 percent of the light bulb market in the U.S. To date, the national ENERGY STAR Change a Light campaign has received more than 1.2 million pledges from Americans across the country to change nearly 4 million light bulbs to ENERGY STAR CFLs. This means a potential savings of more than $100 million in energy costs and the prevention of more than 1.5 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.

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