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Energy Star(R) is a voluntary partnership among the U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), product
manufacturers, local utilities and retailers. Partners help promote
efficient products by labeling with the Energy Star logo and educating
consumers about the benefits of energy efficiency. By choosing Energy
Star products, consumers can save money on their utility bills and help
the environment at the same time.
Wide Range of Appliances. DOE and EPA have established the Energy Star
as the national symbol for energy efficiency. This certification and
labeling program began in 1993 for computers. Today, the Energy Star
logo can be found on:
Major appliances -- refrigerators, washers, dishwashers and room
air conditioners;
Windows, doors and skylights;
Light bulbs (compact fluorescent lamps) and lighting fixtures;
Home electronics - televisions and VCRs;
Office equipment - computers, copiers and fax machines;
Furnaces and central air conditioners
In addition, Energy Star promotes new homes and commercial buildings
that meet qualifying criteria.
Real Savings, Real Environmental Benefits. Using Energy Star products
saves money for consumers, reduces air pollution, and cuts emissions of
greenhouse gases believed to cause global warming.
Energy efficiency is a "pocketbook issue." The average annual
home energy bill in the U.S. is $1,300. By choosing Energy
Star-qualified products when replacing old appliances and other products
that use energy, the typical household can cut that bill by about 30
percent.
If all households and businesses in the U.S. used Energy Star
products instead of conventional new equipment over the next 15 years,
the national annual energy bill would be reduced by about $100 billion.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide) would be
equivalent to taking more than 17 million cars off the road for each of
those 15 years.
Growing Number of Partners. In 1999, private sector partners will spend
about $50 million promoting Energy Star products to consumers. Numerous
manufacturing, retail and utility partners help label and promote Energy
Star products. They include:
Over 1,200 manufacturers, like Anderson Corporation, Carrier, GE,
IBM, Maytag, Philips, Ricoh, Sharp, Sony, Whirlpool, and Zenith;
4,000 retail showrooms, including Best Buy, Circuit City,
HomeBase, Home Depot, Montgomery Ward, and Sears; and,
55 utilities representing over 18 million households.