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DOE Announces Nearly $300 Million Rebate Program to Encourage Purchases of Energy Efficient Appliances (July 2009)
On July 14, 2009 U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the availability of nearly $300 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for state-run rebate programs for consumer purchases of new ENERGY STAR qualified home appliances. The new program underscores the Obama Administration's commitment to make American homes more energy efficient, while helping to support the nation's economic recovery.
ENERGY STAR Homes Nearly 17% Market Share in 2008 (July 2009)
Both home builders and home buyers are continuing to invest in high performing homes that save consumers money on their utility bills, while helping to protect the environment. Nearly 17% of all single-family homes built nationally in 2008 earned EPA's ENERGY STAR label, up from 12% in 2007. In addition, market share for ENERGY STAR qualified homes was 20% or greater in 15 states in 2008, including Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Vermont.
EPA Announces ENERGY STAR for Computer Servers (May 2009)
EPA announced new ENERGY STAR requirements for computer servers. Computer servers that earn the ENERGY STAR will be, on average, 30% more energy efficient than standard servers. This specification is effective immediately. If all servers sold in the United States meet this new specification, energy cost savings would grow to $800 million per year and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from over one million vehicles.
EPA Announces new ENERGY STAR specifications for Energy Efficient Commercial Griddles and Ovens (May 2009)
EPA announced two new ENERGY STAR specifications: commercial griddles and ovens. The addition of these two new specifications expands the list of ENERGY STAR commercial kitchen equipment. If all commercial griddles and ovens sold in the United States meet the new ENERGY STAR specification, the energy costs savings would grow to more than $820 million per year and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those outputted from more than 880,000 vehicles.
EPA's cool tips for the summer — help at home and work to save energy and combat climate change with ENERGY STAR (May 2009)
With summer and the high costs of cooling right around the corner, EPA is offering advice to help Americans lower energy bills and greenhouse emissions. The energy used in an average home costs more than $2,200 a year and contributes more greenhouse emissions than a typical car. Americans can reduce these costs and greenhouse gas emissions by about one third through ENERGY STAR.
Public Awareness of ENERGY STAR Label Exceeds 75% (April 2009)
Public awareness of EPA's ENERGY STAR label remains strong, reaching more than 75% of U.S. households, according to a recent nationwide survey. Last year, more than 35% of US households knowingly purchased an ENERGY STAR labeled product, with 80% of purchasers reporting they are likely to recommend ENERGY STAR qualified products to others.
(1MB)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.
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% 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.
2009 ENERGY STAR Award 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% 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% of energy performance nationwide. Compared to similar pharmaceutical plants across the country, these facilities on average use nearly 35% 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
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% less energy and emit 35% 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.
- EPA Press Release
- List of ENERGY STAR buildings and plants, including those in the 2008 Top 25 Cities
- More about the ENERGY STAR for buildings and plants
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% 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.
Press Contact: Maria T. Vargas, (202) 343-9451
Consumer Contact Information: hotline@energystar.gov
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