About Energy Star

The ENERGY STAR program was established in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in an effort to reduce national energy consumption through the promotion of energy-efficient products. ENERGY STAR began by creating a ratings system for computers and monitors, instituting the ENERGY STAR label to inform consumers of models that performed better than federal standards for energy use. The label has since grown to identify efficient products in over 40 categories, including refrigerators, dishwashers, air conditioners and more.

The EPA began collaborating with the Department of Energy (DOE) in the mid 1990s as the ENERGY STAR rating continued to yield positive results in financial and environmental savings. In 1995, a standardized measurement for efficiency in new homes was adapted and four years later, the EPA introduced the first ratings system to measure energy use in entire buildings.

ENERGY STAR has continued to expand by forming partnerships with more than 12,000 private and public sector organizations. Since its creation, ENERGY STAR has been one of the most influential forces in educating Americans about the benefits of such innovations as fluorescent lighting, power management systems for office equipment, and low standby energy use.

In 2007, ENERGY STAR helped American business, organizations, and consumers save about $16 billion on energy costs while preventing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to that of 27 million vehicles. Reduce your carbon footprint while lowering your utility bills by looking for products that have earned the ENERGY STAR.