Energy efficiency is one of the easiest, cost-effective ways to lower your carbon footprint. From using less disposable utensils at meals to driving an EV car, there are multiple simple strategies you can employ to make an impactful statement about our planet’s sustainability.
Energy efficiency reduces electricity demand, helping to stabilize prices and ensure system reliability, as well as lower greenhouse gas emissions and protect against changes to climate change.
ENERGY STAR®
The ENERGY STAR label helps both consumers and businesses save money and reduce pollution by identifying products, homes, and buildings that use energy more efficiently. Since 1992, this program has achieved extraordinary results on an affordable budget: 5 trillion kilowatt-hours saved of electricity; 4 billion tons reduced greenhouse gas emissions and $500 billion saved on energy costs alone!
ENERGY STAR certified appliances, electronics and lighting use 30% less energy than their non-certified counterparts; televisions qualify as energy savers by only using 3 watts of standby power while still fulfilling performance specifications.
EPA works in partnership with thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations – including nearly 40% of Fortune 500 firms – to deliver cost-cutting energy efficiency solutions across America. Their vision is of a cleaner, healthier, more prosperous America built on energy efficiency.
ENERGY STAR Homes
Rising energy costs and concerns about renewable sources have driven consumers towards purchasing homes that consume less energy. Builders can differentiate themselves and establish themselves as leaders in green construction by offering homes certified with ENERGY STAR standards – requirements help ensure HVAC systems are sized appropriately to minimize waste; insulation specifications ensure adequate levels of air sealing and insulation throughout a home;
To achieve ENERGY STAR certification, builders become Energy Star partners and comply with stringent requirements to design and build homes that comply with or surpass local building codes and energy efficiency standards. As a result, certified homes save money and deliver improved comfort, performance, durability, resale value, as well as peace of mind that comes from being protected by an established program – these homes feature comprehensive air sealing, quality insulation installation, high performance windows to ensure they remain energy efficient over time.
ENERGY STAR Commercial
Tens of thousands of commercial buildings and industrial facilities have earned the ENERGY STAR label since 2008, saving over $35 billion in energy costs while cutting emissions by over 330 million metric tons in 2018.
Un ENERGY STAR certification showcases your commitment to sustainable practices, making your business more appealing to both customers and employees. In addition, financial incentives may be available that are detailed in Information Bulletins.
Commercial refrigeration certified as energy efficient by the ENERGY STAR is more cost-efficient and reduces environmental impacts, helping businesses meet sustainability goals while showing leadership within their industry.
To achieve ENERGY STAR certification, commercial buildings must prove their energy performance using the Environmental Protection Agency’s Portfolio Manager tool and be inspected by an ENERGY STAR accredited professional engineer. In cities requiring mandatory energy audits, buildings certified ENERGY STAR may be exempted from such requirements; additionally, certification can enable properties to qualify for local rebates.
ENERGY STAR Schools
Schools spend considerable money on energy costs, which often cut into other budget areas. If schools could reduce these energy expenses, that could free up funds to invest in educational resources and foster an enhanced learning experience for their students.
Energy-efficient systems not only reduce maintenance costs and equipment downtime, but they can also make buildings more reliable through reduced energy use and bills, ultimately helping schools save millions in operating expenses over time.
School districts can take several steps to lower energy costs, including benchmarking in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and upgrading lighting or HVAC systems. Other initiatives may include adopting an environmental preferable purchasing (EPP) policy, installing occupancy sensors and decreasing water usage.