Daniel Pidgeon, ERS, for Zondits
The Energy Star program was launched by the EPA and DOE in 1992 to promote energy-efficient household appliances, lighting, heating systems, air conditioners, and other such items. The program is completely voluntary, and both manufacturers and consumers enjoy the benefits. By setting an international standard for energy-efficiency, this program has undeniably been a success.
Here are Energy Star’s five biggest accomplishments:
- Energy Star has saved consumers around the world an estimated $430 billion on utility bills since its implementation. Canada, Australia, Japan, and the European Union are among the international adopters of the program.
- Products included in the program have kept 2.7 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from our atmosphere.
- About 85% of consumers readily recognize the Energy Star brand. With roughly 16,000 partners, including both makers and sellers of products – the program has clearly proven its large market share and popularity.
- The familiar blue label with the star image has become synonymous with quality in buyers’ eyes and given preferred status to the products that carry it.
- Energy Star’s annual budget has averaged around $50 million, which means it saves roughly 344 times the amount that it costs per year (when averaging the utility savings).