ENERGY BOOST
Before associating the label with any product model, manufac- turers must submit performance data from an EPA-recognized laboratory to an independent certification body for review, to ensure the product meets ENERGY STAR standards tailored for the category it’s in.
Product performance specifications are regularly updated, which any new ENERGY STAR product is expected to meet before earning certification. Across more than 75 different categories, products that earn the ENERGY STAR label meet strict EPA standards for energy efficiency with consideration to technology improvements, market trends and input from manufacturers and a range of stakeholders.
“Our program relies on comprehensive data reporting on product performance, market trends and stakeholder feedback to develop and revise standards for energy efficiency,” said Leslie Jones, media and public affairs specialist for the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program. “Choosing products that have earned the ENERGY STAR certification is an easy way for consumers to reduce their energy consumption without having to make a daily conscious effort to adopt different habits.”
Performance levels for products that earn the ENERGY STAR label are established by the EPA after reviewing efficiency perfor- mance across the range of models in a product category. Label recognition saves consumers the effort of having to look at indi- vidual efficiency ratings. By purchasing products with the little blue label (denoting top performers), customers can feel good about saving energy and money while protecting the environ- ment. Te program maintains an online search tool, ENERGY STAR Product Finder, to identify products that have been certified.
CLEARING THE AIR Under the Clean Air Act, Congress directed the EPA to demon- strate nonregulatory strategies to prevent air pollution, including energy efficiency and switching to cleaner fuel sources. Te ENERGY STAR program has been vital to supporting this strat- egy by designating product options requiring less energy.
“When energy consumption is reduced, fewer fossil fuels are burned to accomplish the same tasks, resulting in fewer green- house gas emissions and other air pollutants being released into the atmosphere,” Jones said.
LOOK FOR THE STAR
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expanded the program launching the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade in 2022 to connect American households at all income levels with resources to plan for a clean energy future through a series of high-impact, efficient electric improvements that can save the average family about $500 per year on utility bills. (Image courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency)
48
Army AL&T Magazine
Spring 2024
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124
