climate

Oct 24, 2012

New Energy Stars Capture Attention at the New York State Fair

climate, climate change, energy, environment, New York, state fair 0 Comments

By: Dayle E. Zatlin

Every year, hundreds of thousands of families come to the Great New York State Fair. Drawn by the glow of fast rides on the midway, tempting food treats around each corner, and the excitement of blue ribbon contests, people just know they’re guaranteed a memorable time.

As in years past, 2012 was marked by famous stars like Justin Bieber, Aerosmith, and Journey, who took turns each night lighting up the grand stand. In the packed exhibit hall of Building 5, however, a group of new stars also captured considerable attention. These were the newest members of Team ENERGY STAR, a diverse group of adults and children brought together by a commitment to join the fight against climate change.

For many fair goers, taking the Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR Pledge and/or signing their families up for Team ENERGY STAR was just the first step in understanding how they can adapt their behavior to make a significant impact on our environment. The second step is to learn the simple measures they can do each day to recycle, reuse, and reduce the amount of energy they consume.

To help jump start this process, the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) partnered with the EPA to offer an educational booth that leveraged the programs and expertise of both agencies. At the core of this collaboration was the goal to make it easy for people to take the ENERGY STAR pledge and get started on their energy-saving journey. Visitors to the booth took the pledge onsite, committing to making simple changes to make their homes more energy efficient. By taking the pledge these participants will receive quarterly emailed updates from ENERGY STAR, helping them along as they work to protect the climate. NYSERDA will also keep in touch with these pledge takers, sharing specifics on the energy efficiency programs and incentives available to those living in New York. We know from experience that regular communication helps to keep behavior change top of mind, and that visible reminders aid both awareness and action.

Because lighting accounts for 12% of the energy use in a home, and it’s one of the easiest places to make a change, the booth also highlighted lighting options. For consumers, picking out bulbs at the store can be confusing. To help people select the most appropriate product for their needs, NYSERDA launched an educational campaign called Bulbology at the fair. Bulbology provides a useful guide that explains all things relative to lighting: the new packaging labels, the transition from watts to lumens, the different color ranges you can choose from, and available product features—from instant on, dimmable, and three-way style bulbs to those that come with sensors. Visitors to the booth received their very own Bulbology pocket guide. But, you can get the same information and more lighting tips online here.

As a result of the synergy between NYSERDA and the EPA, we were able to bring the Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR campaign to a significant number of New Yorkers. In fact, 285 individuals took the pledge and walked away with just a few of the tools that will help them get started saving energy. It’s our hope that they’ll share this wonderful experience after the fair with friends, family and colleagues to help get even more people to take the ENERGY STAR Pledge across New York. It’s this type of momentum that will encourage the focus and collective effort needed to protect our climate, today and well into the future.

If you’d like to join the nearly three million people who have taken the Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR pledge, click here.

Dayle Zatlin is Assistant Director of Communications at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Prior to joining NYSERDA, she was a senior executive focusing on strategic communications, media relations and crisis communications for nearly 20 years at an Albany, N.Y.-based public relations agency.

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

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Oct 19, 2012

Team ENERGY STAR!

climate, climate change, Education, energy, environment, kids, team energy star, youth 2 Comments

By: Brittney Gordon-Williams

Every time I brush my teeth, I still remember the first environmental lesson that I learned at school. I don’t remember who said it or when I heard it, but “don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth,” is etched in my memory. Because of that lesson, wasting water has always been a no-no during my morning routine. Memories like this one make it easy for me to understand the power of educating young people about protecting the world we live in. Needless to say, I was incredibly excited to work on the launch of EPA’s Team ENERGY STAR this year.

Team ENERGY STAR is a new component of the Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR campaign, focused on teaching young people about protecting our climate by saving energy. EPA launched the Team ENERGY STAR section on our website this summer, allowing families to join the team and download educational (and fun) tools to help their kids learn about energy efficiency. We asked young people to come back to the website after they started helping their families save energy to share their story. The best stories were showcased on the ENERGY STAR Facebook page, with our social media audience picking the top story as the “People’s Choice.” Families could even go one step further and also join the DoSomething.org and LG Electronics Team ENERGY STAR Challenge.

Team ENERGY STAR was a great success with thousands of families joining the team and learning more about saving energy in their homes. Hundreds of Boys and Girls Clubs (with the support of ENERGY STAR partner Samsung) across the country joined in by spreading the word about energy efficiency in their communities. It was inspiring to see so many young people making climate protection an important part of their everyday lives.

Check out the Team ENERGY STAR photo album on ENERGY STAR’s Facebook page to see all of the top stories. Congrats to the “People’s Choice” top vote getter, Alexandra S.! Alexandra was also one of five top picks in the DoSomething.org and LG Electronics challenge, along with Bryce P., Caleigh G., Imelia G. and Renee L!

Reading the energy-saving success stories from these kids showed me once again that young people can truly change the world. Are you interested in hearing more stories of young people making a difference? Check out our first-ever live Facebook broadcast on Tuesday, October 23, at 1:15pm CDT where we will have young people and adults from across the country sharing their stories live! Hope to see you there!

Brittney Gordon-Williams works on the communications team for EPA’s ENERGY STAR program.

Sep 27, 2012

Fall into Energy Efficiency

climate, climate change, energy, energy star, environment, fall, heat, savings, thermostat 2 Comments

By: Brittney Gordon-Williams

Fall is by far my favorite time of year. After the sweltering heat of a DC summer, no season makes me happier than the crisp mornings that come with September. It brings back memories of returning to school as a kid and all of the excitement that came with a fresh start to the school year. These days, fall means yummy seasonal flavors at the coffee shop and the chance to bundle up once again in my favorite jeans and sweaters. But, as I slowly start to feel the chill creeping into my home, I am reminded once again that fall is prime time to make sure that my house is prepared for the upcoming wintery months.

Did you know that the average family spends more than $2,100 a year on energy bills, with nearly half of that going to heating and cooling? Properly maintaining your home in the cooler months can save you money and will also protect the climate from harmful greenhouse gas emissions. So, what are the most important things that you should be doing to get your home ready?

1.) Maintain your heating equipment: The number one cause for heating system failure is the neglect of your equipment. If your system is more than 10 years old, this is the time to schedule a pre-season check up with a licensed contractor. A contractor can let you know if your system is operating at peak performance. You should also check your system’s air filter every month, and when it is dirty, change it. At minimum, change your filter every three months.

2.) Use a programmable thermostat: The best way to control your home’s temperature is to use a programmable thermostat. By using the pre-programmed settings, you could save about $180 every year in energy costs.

3.) Seal air leaks in your home. As much as 20 percent of the air moving through your home’s duct system is lost due to leaks and poor connections. Sealing air leaks with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping will have a significant impact on improving your comfort and reducing energy bills. If you are adding insulation to your home, seal air leaks first to ensure you get the best performance from your insulation. Seal duct work using mastic sealant or metal tape, and insulate all the ducts that you can access (such as those in attics, crawlspaces, unfinished basements, and garages). Also, make sure that connections at vents and registers are well-sealed where they meet floors, walls, and ceilings. These are common locations to find leaks and disconnected ductwork.

4.) Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products. Whether you are replacing light bulbs or appliances in your home, ENERGY STAR qualified products can help you save energy and reduce energy bills. The label can be found on more than 65 types of products ranging from heating and cooling equipment to ENERGY STAR certified lighting.

ENERGY STAR’s website has everything you need to get your home ready for fall. From tools to help you compare your energy use to similar homes across the country, to recommendations from EPA’s Home Energy Advisor, energystar.gov is your one-stop shop for all things energy efficient. Starting this weekend, I am going to use these tips to make sure my energy bills don’t rise with the falling temperatures.

Brittney Gordon-Williams is a member of the ENERGY STAR program’s communications team. She came to EPA in 2010 after a career in broadcast journalism.

Sep 13, 2012

Rock a Bye Computer on the Desktop…

climate, climate change, computers, energy, environment, power management, savings 0 Comments

By Steve Ryan

Have you ever had trouble sleeping at night and the next day you feel drained? Well, it may surprise you to learn that your computer may be experiencing insomnia as well. In fact, it may not be getting any sleep at all resulting in a big energy drain. While it may still perform with no problems, your electricity bill may not fare so well.

Did you know that you can save energy, help protect the environment, and shave up to $75 off your annual electric bill by activating the power management features on your computer? Get step by step instructions here to learn how easy it is to set your computer to automatically switch to sleep mode, which also allows it to run cooler and last longer.

You can shave the energy use of your laptop too, by activating your laptop’s system standby and hibernate features in the AC power profile—which will save power when the notebook is plugged into the wall.

I also recommend against using a screensaver when your computer monitor is not active (let it switch to sleep mode or turn the monitor off instead). Today’s monitors no longer need screen savers to help extend their life and certain screen savers can double a computer’s energy use.

If you really want to save some more energy (and looking for a potential raise), check to see if your office computer is going to sleep. Even if there are only 50 computers in your office, you could possibly save your employer up to $3,500 in annual energy costs by making the switch. Work for a bigger organization? General Electric activated the power management features on 75,000 computers and saved an estimated $2.5 million in one year.

But don’t feel like you have to save the whole world. Start at home and just take one simple step that will save you money and help the environment…helping you sleep better at night!

For more tips and information about computer power management, visit ENERGY STAR’s website.

About the author: Steve Ryan joined EPA’s ENERGY STAR program in 1999. He currently manages a national campaign to promote power management called “The Low Carbon IT Campaign.” For more information and to get step by step instructions on how to put your computer into low power mode, go to http://www.energystar.gov/powermanagement.

Sep 6, 2012

Just Beyond the Ivory Tower

building, carbon, climate, climate change, energy, environment, medford, pollution, sustainability, Tufts 0 Comments

By: Cammy Peterson

Ever since returning to academia as a graduate student at Tufts University’s Medford, Massachusetts campus, I have reentered both the glorious exchange and isolating vacuum engendered by the ivory tower. I have learned gobs about clean energy innovation and climate change mitigation and adaptation policies. And, I’ve loved it. Yet, I was unaware of the impressive energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE) efforts being implemented in my own backyard by Medford’s public schools.

I had no idea that five Medford schools had avoided over 1,300 metric tons of carbon pollution since 2007. Though I’d heard whisperings of a wind turbine at a Medford school (which turns out to be McGlynn Elementary School), I was unaware that the town is currently installing 700 kW of solar panels. These initiatives have all occurred since Medford joined the EPA’s Community Energy Challenge in 2007.

Currently, I am serving as an intern in EPA Region 1’s Energy and Climate Unit. I have been fortunate in this position to gain insight into some exciting municipal energy endeavors. Many of these have been spurred by EPA New England’s Community Energy Challenge, a program unique to the region. As the EPA New England website describes, the Challenge “is an opportunity for municipalities across New England to identify simple and cost-effective measures that increase energy efficiency and renewable energy use while reducing air pollution and saving money.” Communities that seek to undertake the challenge and attain EPA recognition for their efforts embark on a four-step process. They pledge to assess municipal energy use and set a baseline and reduction targets. They track this assessment using the free Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool. Lastly, communities like Medford are encouraged to collaborate with utilities and organizations like Clean Air-Cool Planet to explore EE and RE opportunities, and to let EPA know when they succeed.

Medford’s motivation to make a difference helped them to secure funds from National Grid and a federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block grant to support their energy saving programs. EPA has recognized the schools for finding efficient ways to upgrade lighting and remote Energy Management Systems, and to shut off computers and the heat after the school day ends, among many other initiatives. EPA and Medford are obviously proud of all they have accomplished. I’m proud of Medford too, and plan to make sure my classmates know of the energy revolution happening right under their noses.

About the Author: Cammy Peterson is an intern with the Energy and Climate Unit in the Office of Ecosystem Protection at EPA New England. She is a graduate student in the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning focusing on climate change and clean energy policy at Tufts University. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, and previously worked on environmental legislation for the New York State Assembly.

Aug 30, 2012

My Experience as a Summer Intern at ENERGY STAR

climate, climate change, energy, energy star, environment, intern, school, summer 0 Comments

By: Yohana Merho

For many college students summer is a time to take a well-deserved break from all-nighters, term papers and exam week stress, to go out and find something they are interested in. And if they are lucky, they may find something they could be passionate about as a career. I am a college student in my sophomore year at the University of Maryland, College Park studying Environmental Policy and Spanish. I am fortunate enough to really love my major, but I also know that I am not alone in that I am still unclear of how I want my education to translate in to my life post-grad. So, like most others in my position, I decided to take on an internship for the summer in hopes of learning about the many different roles and professions in the environmental sector that I might find appealing.

After several applications and emails I landed a sweet internship at ENERGY STAR. On my first day I was shown to my personal cubicle with my very own computer, phone and email. This whole ‘taking a sneak peak of the work force’ thing was beginning to feel a little like a reality now! Before I knew it I was going to meetings, working on assignments, doing research and feeling completely immersed in the ENERGY STAR work-culture.

One of my first and most interesting assignments was to prepare for a Congressional Expo that ENERGY STAR was to participate in. We were celebrating our 20^th anniversary and my job was to make sure that our signs and posters reflected that through our statistics and general language. Soon after, I was told I was to work at the booth the day of the Expo, talking to other environmentalists about energy efficiency and other environmental issues. I was nervous, but very excited. I got to meet a lot of people, all working to better the environment through their individual professions, and I learned a lot from them.

My entire experience at ENERGY STAR has been a great learning experience. It was interesting to see and be a part of an entire office working independently as well as collectively to make a real difference in the fight against climate change. I had a chance to talk with several employees about their background and how they got to where they are now. I can say that I got exactly what I was hoping to get out of interning at EPA and much more. Who knows, maybe after I graduate I can help ENERGY STAR celebrate its 25^th anniversary.

Yohana Merho is a college student in her sophomore year at the University of Maryland College Park. She is double majoring in Environmental Policy and Spanish and spent her 2012 summer interning at EPA’s ENERGY STAR.

Aug 9, 2012

What does the little blue label mean to you?

climate, climate change, energy, energy star, environment, kids, savings, sustainability 0 Comments

By: Kristinn Leonhart Vazquez

Have you ever tried to explain what you do to friends and family? Or folks you’re just meeting for the first time? You likely boiled it down to the simplest possible form. If not, for sheer entertainment value, you should try explaining what you do to a six-year-old, or more specifically, my 6-year-old. Here’s a recent exchange with Sofia when she learned I got a new job. “But Mom (*with visible consternation, i.e., the furrowed eyebrow and hand on hip*), you’re still helping to save the planet, right?” Me: “Yes, Sofia, I still work to save the planet, and do you know how you can help me? You can start by turning the light out in the room you just left.” Sofia: “Mom [*insert eye roll here*], how does turning out the lights help the whole planet?” Me: “Because the energy that it takes to keep that light on has to come from somewhere, Sofia. And do you know where it comes from? Most of our energy is created by burning fossil fuels like coal and natural gas, and when we burn these things, we also make pollution that warms our planet.” Sofia (*eyes now light up*): “So if we turn out the light, we’re really helping the planet?” Me: “You got it, AND, Mommy has to pay less for our electric bill each month.” Sofia: “What are some other ways we can help save the planet, Mom?”

I ask her to tell me what she thinks, and I get to hear about recycling, how we shouldn’t litter, how we can plant trees, and even how to catch water in rain barrels and use it to water our plants. These are the things she knows from kindergarten. It’s amazing what kids learn from their teachers about protecting the environment today!

We talk about power strips – how easy power strips make it to unplug a whole room and how when we leave a room, we should make sure all of the outlets are unplugged. We talk about air drying our clothes during the summer, and we talk about the spiral lightbulbs we use in our home. And then there’s turning the thermostat up during the day and bringing it back down when we return home. I explain why we clean the vents and run the ceiling fan instead of making it cold with the air conditioner. We talk about the shower races we have and why they’re important – I time the kids when they take showers to encourage them to take shorter showers. A little competition goes a long way! We feel the same way at ENERGY STAR: check out our latest competition – the Battle of the Buildings!

We talk about keeping the drapes and blinds closed to keep it cooler inside. And then there’s walking to the grocery store (or riding our bikes, she exclaims) instead of driving. We talk about only watching TV and playing computer games for one hour a day. I try to help her understand how each action helps protect the planet. Occasionally I am reminded of a popular comedian who does a skit on how children continuously ask, “But why?” And then, when her older brother joins in, we have a funny side conversation about “energy vampires” that has me in stitches, and I know I am going to get the best drawings from the kids after this conversation.

We talk about my new job and the little blue label, and I ask both kids to help me find it wherever we happen to be. I tell them they can find it on products, on buildings and on homes. They are fast becoming ENERGY STAR ambassadors with the ENERGY STAR brand manager as their proud mom. What actions do you take to protect our environment?

For more fun activities to do with kids, click here.

To join the 2.8 million others who have already pledged to fight climate change, click here.

About the author: Kristinn Leonhart Vazquez joined the ENERGY STAR Team on June 18 as Brand Manager. She has been with the U.S. EPA for eight years supporting a wide range of voluntary programs and regulations to protect peoples’ health and the environment, and prior to that time, worked as a book and journal editor. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteer teaching, not just kids, but adults too.

Aug 1, 2012

Stay cool!

carbon pollution, climate, climate change, energy, energy star, environment, greenhouse gas, sustainability 2 Comments

Karen Dante, EPA

By: Karen Dante

Every Friday, like clockwork, my family gathers around the dinner table and we all share a new fact we learned that week. When it’s my turn, my parents say, “Here goes our biologist, Ms. Environment.”

I’ve been passionate about environmental issues since I studied plant botany in college, but I have to admit that my weekly enviro facts sometimes elicit a lukewarm “That’s nice, Karen…” response from my parents. They care about the environment, but my facts about the climate’s impact on plants seem pretty far removed from their daily lives. Lately, though, with record heat waves, and the Derecho that knocked our power out for 2 days, my parents have been asking me about climate change. Here’s what I’ve told them:

Earth’s average temperature has risen by 1.4 °F over the past century, and these rising global temperatures have been accompanied by changes in weather and climate. Many places have seen changes in rainfall – resulting in more floods, droughts, or intense rain – and more frequent and severe heat waves.

As weather events are caused by a combination of forces, no single event can be definitively attributed to climate change. However, the unusual events we’ve recently seen are consistent with what scientists expect to see with climate change.

There are many actions we can take to protect ourselves from the risks of climate change. In the United States, the largest human source of greenhouse gas emissions is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, and the largest users of electricity are our homes and businesses. Using more efficient products and appliances not only reduces carbon pollution, it can also save consumers money.

For example, half of your energy bill accounts for heating and cooling, roughly $1000 per year. By selecting ENERGY STAR products when replacing your cooling or heating equipment, you can cut your annual bill by more than $200.

Smaller investments can also reap big savings. The average home has approximately 30 light fixtures, and 12 percent of a typical home’s annual utility bill goes towards lighting costs. By replacing your home’s five most frequently used light fixtures, or the bulbs in them, with ENERGY STAR certified lighting, you can save $75 each year.

Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, prevented 210 million metric tons of carbon pollution in 2011— equivalent to annual emissions from 41 million vehicles—and reduced their utility bills by $23 billion. While this alone won’t solve the problem of climate change, it is a step in the right direction.

My parents love the fact that since I started as a fellow at EPA, my enviro facts are coupled with practical advice on how to help the environment and save money too. With ENERGY STAR, you’ll save money while helping to keep yourself, and our planet, cool!

You can learn more about climate change here. For information on energy efficient products visit ENERGY STAR.

Author the Author: Karen Dante is an ORISE Fellow supporting the communications team in the Climate Change Division within the Office of Air and Radiation. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in biology and psychology from Queen’s University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Environmental Science and Policy at John’s Hopkins University.

Jul 25, 2012

The 2012 ENERGY STAR National Building Competition: It’s On!

battle, biggest loser, building, climate, energy, energy star, environment, epa, sustainability, workplace 0 Comments

Today, nearly 3,300 buildings are stepping on the scale and kicking off a national competition to see who can reduce their energy waste the most. That’s right – EPA’s ENERGY STAR National Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings is back and bigger than ever! Now in its third year, the competition pits buildings across the country against each other in a “Biggest Loser”-style battle to work off their extra energy and water “weight” through efficiency improvements.

The weight-loss analogy has always worked well for this competition since the steps involved in healthy weight-loss are the same steps as those to strategically work off energy waste. Competitors measure their starting weight, set goals, make improvements following a strategic approach (not a crash diet), regularly weigh-in throughout their journey, and celebrate successes. On average, 30 percent of the energy used in commercial buildings is wasted, which leaves plenty of opportunities for savings.

This year’s participants also come in all shapes and sizes. They represent more than 30 different types of buildings — including retail stores, schools, hotels, and even baseball stadiums — and hail from all 50 states, two U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. This year’s competition includes a strong showing of buildings from the public sector, including nearly 600 federal buildings, nearly 300 state and local government buildings, 225 public schools, and four buildings owned by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. The competitors also include a Kmart store on the island of St. Thomas and crime lab in Phoenix.

Of the initial pool of nearly 3,300 competitors, the building that demonstrates the greatest percentage-based reduction in energy use intensity will be crowned as the winner in April 2013. In addition, the competition will recognize the top finishers by building type, as well as all buildings that reduce their energy use by more than 20 percent. And, for the first time, ENERGY STAR is partnering with EPA’s WaterSense program to recognize the buildings that achieve the largest water use reductions. The 245 buildings in the 2011 competition saved a total of more than 240 million kBtus of energy and $5.2 million on annual utility bills. Given that there are 13 times more competitors this year, the final savings should be enormous!

Visit www.energystar.gov/BattleOfTheBuildings to follow the efforts of the buildings throughout the year. The competition site features an interactive map to find buildings near you, a live Twitter feed where competitors will post updates on their progress, and a user-generated photo stream where competitors will upload pictures of their energy- and water-saving efforts.

Good luck to all of the competitors, and may the best building win!

Alena Hutchison works for the Commercial and Industrial Buildings Branch for EPA’s ENERGY STAR program.

Jul 18, 2012

Today’s ENERGY STAR Certified Home: Better is Better

better is better, building, climate, energy, energy star, environment, homes, Residential, sustainability 1 Comment

By: Brian Ng

Earlier this month, the new, more rigorous guidelines for homes to be certified as ENERGY STAR® became effective. In recognition of this milestone, we’re reflecting on the history and work behind the new guidelines, and highlighting the major features and benefits of homes built to these new guidelines that are the basis for our “Better is Better” outreach campaign.

In 1995, EPA first offered a labeling program for homes constructed to be significantly more energy efficient than prescribed by code. Since then the program has been adopted by more and more builders, who’ve constructed more and more ENERGY STAR certified homes. In fact, in 2011, nearly one in three new homes constructed in the U.S. has earned the ENERGY STAR label. That’s an amazing accomplishment by our partners and a tremendous benefit for homebuyers – and the environment.

Over the years, EPA has updated its guidelines in response to improvements in national building codes and equipment standards, changes in the marketplace, and to incorporate lessons learned from previous iterations of the guidelines. We began developing our latest set of energy efficiency guidelines, commonly referred to as”Version 3,“ back in 2008, issued the first draft for public comment in 2009, and released the final requirements in 2010. Since then, we’ve continued to make refinements and adjustments in response to stakeholder feedback and market factors.

Today, when a home earns the ENERGY STAR label, it means that it’s at least 15 percent more energy efficient than one built to the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code, and includes additional features that make it up to 30 percent more efficient than a typical new home. All ENERGY STAR certified homes are now constructed with:

A complete Thermal Enclosure System with comprehensive air sealing, quality-installed insulation, and high-performance windows to deliver comfort and low utility bills;
A Heating, Ventilating, and Cooling System designed and installed for optimal performance, comfort, and lower bills; and
A comprehensive Water Management System to protect roofs, walls, and foundations from moisture damage.

These features are inspected using a set of quality assurance checklists that can dramatically reduce the chance that critical details are overlooked and that can greatly improve the efficiency, comfort, durability, and quality of homes that earn the label. That’s why we say that an ENERGY STAR certified home is built better from the ground up.

Together with stakeholders, we’ve put a lot of effort into developing and deploying a host of new training materials, webinars, and other resources to aid builders, trades, and Home Energy Raters so that they can successfully implement the new guidelines. Many builders, including some who initially expressed concerns about increased costs to build to the new guidelines, are reporting significant cost decreases as they become more familiar with best practices for implementing the new guidelines.

We’re excited to continue supporting our partners, including more than 6,700 home builders in designing, constructing, and promoting the next generation of ENERGY STAR certified homes. We know that the new guidelines are challenging. But they are also critical to ensuring that the bar is continually raised so that the promise of the ENERGY STAR brand is delivered. Simply put: Better is better.

Mr. Brian Ng is the communications manager for ENERGY STAR’s Residential Programs. Mr. Ng has been with the U.S. EPA for 15 years supporting a wide range of initiatives related to the protection of human health and the environment, including the improvement of energy efficiency in new and existing low-income housing.

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