Energy Star Day: The Power of the Little Blue Label
Let’s start with a few numbers:
300 billion dollars in savings. That’s how much consumers and businesses have saved on utility bills in the last 22 years because of the Energy Star program.
Two billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions avoided, or the equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 420 million cars, over the last 22 years. Thanks to our little blue Energy Star label, folks are doing their part to reduce their greenhouse emissions and combat climate change.
Since President Obama took office, Energy Star has helped American consumers and businesses save over one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and approximately $110 billion on their utility bills.
That’s one powerful little label.
For more than 20 years, people across the country have looked to EPA’s Energy Star program for guidance on how to save energy and money while protecting the environment. Today, on Energy Star Day, we are celebrating the accomplishments of our program, and recognizing the important partnership between businesses, consumers, and the government to find commonsense ways to save money, fight climate change, and leave the world a better place for our kids.
Throughout October, the Energy Star Community Service Tour, in partnership with private and public sector organizations, is working to improve the quality of life for families, children and our veterans through energy efficiency service projects, while inspiring folks to think about what they can do to make a difference through energy efficiency in their communities. Projects include an energy-saving makeover at the Edgewood, Maryland Boys and Girls Club, featuring energy efficient lights that will save the club money on their electric bills; upgrades to appliances and other equipment a Denver Housing Authority building to increase the comfort of residents and save energy, water and money; and to wrap it all up, today, we are partnering with a non-profit housing facility for homeless veterans in Phoenix to celebrate an extensive energy efficiency upgrade that included Energy Star certified lighting, appliances, insulation, weatherization and windows, plus upgraded HVAC equipment.
The Edgewood, Maryland, Boys & Girls Club basketball court before and after. Brighter, Energy Star certified lighting was installed during the event.
Here are a few things you can do now to spread the word about how your family and friends can save money and do their part to combat climate change through Energy Star:
- Share the video above on your social media sites and encourage your friends to RT.
- Take the pledge to save energy through the My Energy Star tool at energystar.gov.
- Join our Energy Star Twitter chat on October 29th at 2 p.m. by using the hashtag #ESPositiveEnergy for more information about what you can do to make a difference now and in the future.
- Keep an eye out for that little blue label and switch to Energy Star certified products.
Oct 28, 2014 @ 21:18:25
I’ just in the process of replacing my 6 year old energy star washer. I do not intend to buy energy star again. I have had non-energystar washers which have lasted more than 30 years without problems.
When considering savings, I think replacement cost / time need to be considered to truly make the boast that you are making.
That is an old technology washer which sells for $400 and lasts virtually a lifetime has to have more value than a E/S machine which costs at least twice as much, and lasts only six years. Over the last few days several appliance dealers have told me that my experience is not unique, the new, smart appliances just do not last.
Not only is the direct cost to consumers like me a factor Vs. savings in energy and in this case water, but the ENVIRONMENTAL COST of PRODUCING these new machines which then go to landfills in just six short years is certainly something which must be considered.
As I said, Im looking for an old style, low tech machine which with good treatment and minimal maintenance, can last a lifetime.
Thank you,
John Seebart
Oct 28, 2014 @ 21:18:59
No data showing that (a) utility bills decreased by $300 billion or (b) energy usage would have remained at the same rate and would not have decreased in 22 years. Truth in advertising doesn’t apply to the EPA?
Oct 30, 2014 @ 21:20:14
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Energy Star products have been lab-tested for both energy efficiency and performance requirements. We want to ensure that they’re a good value for people and the environment. There are many factors that can change how a washer performs, including installation, maintenance and usage. The manufacturer can tell you more about the product’s performance if you give them a call directly. If you still have concerns, we encourage you to call us at (888) STAR-YES, so we can follow up as well.
The data in this post come from Energy Star’s latest annual report from 2012. Check out page 3 for our savings estimates, and page 30 for a summary of how we establish baseline estimates and Energy Star savings: http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/publications/pubdocs/2012_AnnualReport_Final.pdf?e5d7-9c1d.
Nov 01, 2014 @ 21:20:52
I was able to learn something new today
Thanks for sharing
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