What Is ENERGY STAR and Why Is It Important?

by Burkett · Published 04/15/2022 · Updated 05/13/2024

Burkett Blog _ What is Energy Star and Why is it Important

Last updated on May 13th, 2024 at 01:57 pm

Reasons for choosing ENERGY STAR is more than saving money, it’s better for our environment! Each Earth Day there’s a large focus on how to protect our environment, prevent climate change and improve air quality, which ties in perfectly with the reason ENERGY STAR exists and why it’s important!

WHAT IS ENERGY STAR

Is ENERGY STAR still a thing?
The short answer, yes!
According to ENERGY STAR, over 120,000 ENERGY STAR certified homes were built in 2020 alone, with over 2.2 million built since ENERGY STAR was first created in 1992. Along with new constructions, ENERGY STAR puts a large focus on encouraging home and business owners to be mindful of the energy efficiency in their existing spaces.

So What is ENERGY STAR?
ENERGY STAR states that “ENERGY STAR is the trusted, government-backed symbol for energy efficiency helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices.” The program was first established in 1992 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and continues to operate under the Clean Air Act and Energy Policy Act.

What is an ENERGY STAR Label?
The ENERGY STAR Label exists to make it easier for customers to identify energy-efficient products. Products with an ENERGY STAR Label tell the consumer that the product is going to offer them savings on energy bills without sacrifices on standard features and performance.

What is an ENERGY STAR Rating?
Products with an ENERGY STAR Rating mean that it meets the federal guidelines regarding energy efficiency that will aid in saving money and our environment! These appliances will use less electricity than similar models but provide the same level of performance. The higher the rating, the more money it will save you each year on your electric bill.

What makes a product ENERGY STAR?
For a product to have an ENERGY STAR label, the appliance must achieve a level of energy efficiency above the current industry’s standard along with meeting a select handful of other requirements that are different for each appliance class (listed below). Typically, appliances are 10-20% more efficient than products without the ENERGY STAR label.

How Does EPA Choose which Products Earn the Label?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) follows a set of principles when deciding which appliances receive an ENERGY STAR Label.
According to ENERGY STAR, those principles are as follows:

Product categories must contribute significant energy savings nationwide.
Certified products must deliver the features and performance demanded by consumers, in addition to increased energy efficiency.
If the certified product costs more than a conventional, less-efficient counterpart, purchasers will recover their investment in increased energy efficiency through utility bill savings, within a reasonable period of time.
Energy efficiency can be achieved through broadly available, non-proprietary technologies offered by more than one manufacturer.
Product energy consumption and performance can be measured and verified with testing.
Labeling would effectively differentiate products and be visible for purchasers.

Is it Worth it to Buy ENERGY STAR Products?

When you notice there’s a higher price on energy-efficient products, you might find yourself asking if it’s worth it to buy energy-star-rated appliances. So the question is, do ENERGY STAR appliances eventually pay for themselves? The short answer, yes!

In order for a product to be ENERGY STAR rated it must “allow purchasers to recover their investment through utility savings within a reasonable period of time.” – ENERGY STAR

What do the different ENERGY STAR Labels and Ratings Mean?

The Blue ENERGY STAR label can be found on certified energy-efficient products

The ENERGY STAR Partner label is used to show the organization or business’s partnership in the ENERGY STAR Program.

The Blue ENERGY STAR Most Efficient label indicates that the product is the best of the best for energy savings and innovation.

For more details on each ENERGY STAR Label, visit ENERGY STAR

The Yellow EnergyGuide label shows the estimated annual energy use, operating cost of the appliance, and also compares it to similar products. EnergyGuide actually isn’t part of the ENERGY STAR program and is managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the ENERGY STAR label is managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What is the Difference between Energy Guide Label & ENERGY STAR label

Using this yellow EnergyGuide label in conjunction with the blue ENERGY STAR label will help you make smart choices in your appliance purchase. First look for the blue ENERGY STAR label, then use the yellow EnergyGuide labels to compare your choices.

THE HISTORY OF ENERGY STAR

Highlighting the Commercial Kitchen & Restaurant Industry
from ENERGY STAR

2020
- Refrigerators with advanced adaptive compressors receive ENERGY STAR Emerging Technology Award
- About 75,000 product models have earned the ENERGY STAR
2019
- ENERGY STAR LEDs come down in price to $1 per bulb in some stores
- ENERGY STAR certified the first fluid milk and yogurt processing plant in the U.S.
- Released the 2^nd EPI update for frozen fried potato processing plants and cookie and cracker bakeries
- Launched a new ENERGY STAR industrial focus for the distilled spirits sector
2018
- Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses save more than 4 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity
- The 1-100 ENERGY STAR Scores for offices, K-12 schools, retail stores and supermarkets, warehouses, hotel properties, and worship facilities performance metrics for the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager® tool were updated were updated based on recent market data
- Updates to the ENERGY STAR product requirements for ice makers.
2017
- More than 30,000 American commercial building properties certified as ENERGY STAR
- Updates to the ENERGY STAR product requirements for four product categories effective this year including roof products, light bulbs, and commercial refrigerators
2016
- Seven new ENERGY STAR product categories introduced this year including electric vehicle chargers, coffee makers, and connected thermostats
- Update to the ENERGY STAR product requirements for six categories effective this year including dishwashers and windows
2013
- More than 20,000 American commercial building properties certified as ENERGY STAR
- Four new ENERGY STAR product categories introduced this year including data centers and commercial water heaters
  
  CHECK OUT OUR BUYING GUIDE: ENERGY STAR RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT BLOG FROM 2013

2012
- Americans purchased more than 4 billion ENERGY STAR certified products since 1992
- ENERGY STAR Day, a first-ever nationwide celebration of energy efficiency accomplishments
2011
- ENERGY STAR industrial certification to first container glass plants and to the first cookie and cracker bakeries
- Updates to the ENERGY STAR product requirements for eleven categories effective this year including commercial fryers
2010
- More than 10,000 American commercial building properties certified as ENERGY STAR
- The first food processing plants earn ENERGY STAR
  
  CHECK OUT OUR SAVING MONEY FOR YOUR RESTAURANT W/ ENERGY STAR BLOG FROM 2010

2009
- Americans purchased about 3 billion ENERGY STAR qualified products since 1992
- Over 50 American industrial facilities have received ENERGY STAR certification to date
- Four new ENERGY STAR product categories effective this year including coffee makers and griddles
2008
- More than 5,000 American commercial building properties certified as ENERGY STAR
- Ice makers became a new ENERGY STAR product category
2007
- Three new ENERGY STAR product categories introduced including commercial dishwashers and decorative light strings
2004
- ENERGY STAR label extends to medical centers and university residence halls
2003
- Three new ENERGY STAR product categories introduced including fryers and steam cookers
2002
- More than 1,000 American commercial building properties certified as ENERGY STAR
- ENERGY STAR label extends to the most energy efficient hotels
2001
- ENERGY STAR label extends to the most energy efficient grocery stores
- ENERGY STAR label extends to the most energy efficient acute care hospitals
2000
- ENERGY STAR label extends to the most energy efficient schools
1996
- EPA and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announce their ENERGY STAR partnership
- Dishwashers, refrigerators/freezers, exit signs, room air conditioners, and boilers became new ENERGY STAR product categories
1995
- Green Lights program merges with ENERGY STAR Buildings, a program designed to help businesses simultaneously improve their energy and financial performance
1994
- More than 2,000 ENERGY STAR qualified product models available for sale
1992
- EPA launch of the ENERGY STAR label for office products starting with computers and displays
1991
- EPA introduces Green Lights program, a partnership to promote efficient lighting systems in commercial and industrial buildings (later integrated into ENERGY STAR)