Research Highlights
Higher Standards: New Rules Enable Energy Conservation
PNNL key player in meeting goals to support the President's Climate Action Plan
To help lead our nation toward greater energy efficiency, the President establishes annual energy conservation goals for the Department of Energy. In 2015, this quest targeted the publication of 12 energy conservation standards. With help from researchers in PNNL's Appliance & Commercial Equipment Standards Program, as well as other contracting agencies, DOE surpassed their goal, publishing a total of 13 standards by year’s end.
In December alone, PNNL and partners successfully finalized two standards: refrigerated beverage vending machines and commercial prerinse spray valves. Together, the two are expected to save 0.22 quads—enough to power 5.9 million U.S. households.
Appliance & Commercial Equipment Standards (ACES) Program
In support of the DOE's Buildings Technologies Office, PNNL's ACES Program works with consumers, industry, and environmental groups in developing appliance standards and test procedures that increase energy savings while minimizing manufacturer impact and preserving consumer product choice.
- Beverage Vending Machine Standard: This update to the 2012 standard takes effect in 2019. As a result of the change, DOE expects savings of $510 million and 0.12 quads of energy nationwide over 60 years. This standard is also estimated to prevent 7.37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and 13.26 kilotons of NOX from being released into the atmosphere.
- Commercial Prerinse Spray Valve Standard: With expected savings of $1.48 billion, this standard conserves 0.10 quads of energy and 119.57 billion gallons of water over its 40-year lifetime. The CPSV standard is also estimated to prevent 5.87 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and 14.70 kilotons of NOX from being released into the atmosphere.
For more information on DOE's efficiency goals, check out their fact sheet.