Home > News Room > 2007 News Archive

2007 News Archive

ENERGY STAR Leaders Awarded (December 2007)

EPA's list of ENERGY STAR Leaders has grown to more than 50 organizations, almost two-thirds of which are school districts. In addition to schools, ENERGY STAR Leaders include hospitals, supermarkets, commercial real estate businesses, and hospitality companies. These select organizations are recognized by the Agency for improving the energy performance of their portfolio by ten percent or more. Combined, they have reduced greenhouse gas emissions equal to those from more than 30,000 U.S. homes.

Next Generation of ENERGY STAR Qualified Computers Offers Over One Billion Dollars in Energy Savings (November 2007)

Within three months of stringent new requirements for ENERGY STAR computers becoming effective, more than 35 manufacturers have demonstrated their commitment to fight climate change by offering products that save energy. With over 500 newly qualified products already on the shelves, there are many options for home and work that will reduce your energy bill while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. If every U.S. household and business replaced old computers with new ENERGY STAR qualified models, we would save more than $1.8 billion in energy costs over the next five years and avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to more than 2.7 million cars.

First Retail Buildings Awarded the ENERGY STAR (October 2007)

Four JC Penney stores are the first retail buildings in the country to earn the ENERGY STAR for superior energy performance and environmental protection. Of the almost 5 million commercial buildings in the U.S., retail buildings account for the largest energy bills and release the second largest percentage of greenhouse gases. With the recent availability of the ENERGY STAR for retail buildings, retailers can pursue significant savings in energy costs while fighting global warming.

Save Energy this Winter with the ENERGY STAR Home Advisor

This winter, EPA is encouraging homeowners to save 10 percent or more on their energy bills. To learn how, consumers can get customized recommendations for improving energy efficiency and comfort at home by using the EPA's new online ENERGY STAR Home Advisor. Using energy more efficiently is also a great way for each of us to do our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Successful ENERGY STAR Change a Light Campaign (October 2007)

With energy prices rising and the importance of fighting climate change, every light bulb counts. An event in Manhattan's Union Square marks the conclusion of the 20-day national ENERGY STAR Change a Light Bus Tour. The bus stopped for 16 events in 10 cities with the goal of encouraging as many Americans as possible to begin using energy wisely at home, starting today by switching to energy-efficient lighting. Individuals and their families were invited to take a pledge to change at least one light at home to one that has earned the government's ENERGY STAR label. To date, more than 980,000 individuals in every US state and territory have pledged to change more than 2.6 million lights.

ENERGY STAR Change a Light National Bus Tour Launched (October 2007)

The national ENERGY STAR Change a Light campaign kicks off this year at the Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, California as the first stop on a 20-day, 10-city national Bus Tour to help rally public support to use energy more efficiently to help fight climate change. The coast-to-coast bus tour aims to educate as many Americans as possible about the importance of choosing lighting that has earned the government’s ENERGY STAR label for efficiency as a first step toward saving energy. Americans can take the online ENERGY STAR Change a Light pledge and commit to change out at least one inefficient light at home with an energy-efficient one. To date, nearly 900,000 Americans in every state and U.S. territory have pledged to change more than 2 million lights.

EPA Energy Tracking Tool Offers Look at Carbon Footprints of Buildings
(September 2007)

Estimating the carbon footprint of commercial buildings has just become easier. EPA's on-line energy rating system for commercial buildings has been updated to include greenhouse gas emission factors, enabling users to estimate the carbon footprint of their commercial buildings. The updated rating-system (Portfolio Manager) shows that ENERGY STAR buildings not only use 35% less energy than their typical counterparts but also contribute 35% less carbon dioxide emissions.

ENERGY STAR Annual Report Released — Americans saved $14 billion in 2006 (September 2007)

EPA recently released its annual report summarizing the success of ENERGY STAR and other voluntary climate protection programs. The report summarizes the accomplishments of these programs for 2006. One highlight for 2006 is Americans, with the help of the ENERGY STAR, avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 25 million automobiles — up from 23 million in 2005 — while saving $14 billion on their energy bills.

Small Businesses and Congregations Honored by EPA for Energy Savings (September 2007)

The 2007 ENERGY STAR Award winners for Small Businesses and Congregations together saved more than $1.2 million in annual energy costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 1,600 vehicles annually. This year's diverse group of eight small businesses and three congregations includes an auto dealership, a winery and a mega-church. Small businesses and congregations that strategically manage the energy performance of their facilities can cut utility costs by 25 percent or more by making efficiency improvements and, at the same time, make significant contributions to a healthier environment.

Report to Congress on Server and Data Center Energy Efficiency (August 2007)

An EPA report, entitled “Report to Congress on Server and Data Center Energy Efficiency,” assesses the national energy impacts from data centers in the U.S. The report recommends priority efficiency opportunities and policies which together have the potential to save up to $4 billion in annual electricity costs through broad implementation of best practices. Additional savings are available using state of the art technologies and operations.

EPA Announced ENERGY STAR Criteria for Commercial Dishwashers and Ice Machines (July 2007)

EPA announced specifications for two new commercial food service products — commercial dishwashers and ice machines — that may now earn the ENERGY STAR label. These new product categories are the latest products to join the growing suite of six ENERGY STAR qualified commercial food service products. More efficient commercial kitchen equipment can save restaurants and related businesses from 10 to 30 percent on energy consumption.

EPA highlights 15 States Leading the Nation in ENERGY STAR Homes (July 2007)

In 2006, the percentage of newly-constructed single family homes earning the government's ENERGY STAR for superior energy efficiency exceeded 12 percent in 15 states. Leading states included: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Vermont.

Conference of Mayors Endorses ENERGY STAR Challenge (June 2007)

The U.S. Conference of Mayors formally endorsed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR Challenge as a key strategy in meeting the goals of the Conference of Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement. As part of the resolution, they will encourage their members to support and take the ENERGY STAR Challenge, a national campaign to improve energy efficiency in commercial and industrial buildings across the United States by 10 percent or more.

Report on ENERGY STAR Brand by Interbrand (June 2007)

Since its inception in 1992, ENERGY STAR has grown into a well-recognized consumer brand. Interbrand, a leading international branding consultancy, has been working with EPA since 2001 to provide strategic counsel and brand management expertise. Interbrand has prepared a report to provide information on the art and science of branding, the core principles of the ENERGY STAR brand, the evolution of the ENERGY STAR brand, future opportunities and challenges, and ways to ensure future success of the brand.

New ENERGY STAR PSA Campaign features real people fighting global warming (June 2007)

EPA's new public service campaign promotes ENERGY STAR as an important part of the solution to global warming. A new 30 second TV spot features ordinary individuals who represent the growing number of Americans turning to ENERGY STAR to help save energy, save money, and protect the climate for future generations. The new campaign (which also includes print PSAs) helps to reinforce the very important link between saving energy and preventing global warming.

Cool Savings this Summer (May 2007)

EPA has advice for consumers and small businesses to help them stay cool and comfortable this summer while protecting our environment and saving as much as 20 percent on energy bills. With a few simple steps like seasonal maintenance of heating and cooling equipment, well sealed ducts, and proper use of ceiling fans and programmable thermostats you can save energy and help reduce the risks of global warming.

Public Awareness of ENERGY STAR Label Exceeds 65 percent (April 2007)

Public awareness of the EPA’s ENERGY STAR label has jumped to 68 percent of US households, according to a recent nationwide survey. According to the 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 greater, averaging 76 percent.

2007 ENERGY STAR Awards (March 2007)

EPA and DOE recognized organizations on March 21 as winners of the 2007 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Awards. These organizations have made outstanding contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Winners were chosen from the more than 9,000 organizations that partner with the government in the ENERGY STAR program. These award winners are helping to improve the energy efficiency of products, homes, and businesses across the country. This year’s winners include The Home Depot, PepsiCo, McDonalds, Food Lion, Ford Motor Company, Marriott International, Inc., Astoria Homes and 3M.

EPA and the China Standard Certification Center Enter New Partnership
(March 2007)

EPA and the China Standard Certification Center (CSC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together towards harmonization of energy-efficiency labels for consumer electronics and office equipment. This agreement builds on a long history of EPA cooperation with China on clean air and energy issues, including voluntary energy efficiency labeling. This new phase of cooperation has three principle goals: exploring harmonization of key elements of ENERGY STAR and CSC product endorsement-labeling programs; providing a more unified set of energy efficiency standards to manufacturers in both programs; and building China’s capacity to manage an internationally-recognized product labeling program. Specific activities towards achieving these goals will be initiated over the coming year.

More than 3,200 Buildings earn the ENERGY STAR (February 2007)

EPA has awarded the prestigious ENERGY STAR to more than 3,200 buildings for their energy efficiency. These buildings represent more than 575 million square feet, save an estimated $600 million annually in lower energy bills, and prevent almost 11 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, equal to emissions from almost 900,000 vehicles. The top performing buildings for 2006 include about 320 supermarkets, 320 office buildings, and 200 K–12 schools. Almost 90 banks, courthouses, financial centers, hospitals, hotels, and — for the first time — dormitories also earned the ENERGY STAR, the most recognized national symbol for energy efficiency.

ENERGY STAR specification for Digital Television Adapters (DTAs) announced
(January 2007)

In anticipation of the nationwide changeover to digital television signals in February 2009, EPA is announcing new ENERGY STAR specifications for energy-efficient, digital-to-analog converter boxes, or DTAs. These new specifications are expected to cut the energy use of a DTA by over 70 percent. It is estimated that Americans will purchase 22 million DTAs to continue to receive over-the-air broadcasts after the February 18, 2009 conversion from analog to digital broadcasts. If all DTAs met the ENERGY STAR specification, Americans could save 13 billion kWh and $1 billion in energy costs, and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 1 million cars.

US Auto Dealers Join ENERGY STAR Challenge (January 2007)

The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has joined the ENERGY STAR Challenge. With a kickoff at the Washington Auto Show, NADA is challenging its 20,000 member dealerships to reduce energy use at more than 43,000 facilities nationwide by 10 percent or more. Automobile dealerships are energy intensive operations that require high quality lighting, both indoors and outdoors, and first-rate climate control. EPA estimates if auto dealers cut their energy use by 10 percent they would save almost $193 million and prevent more than one million tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

Current Newsroom

News Archives