In The News

DOE Report Shows Shift to Energy-Saving Lighting Products

 

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a report that documents the increased adoption of energy-efficient lighting products in the United States over the last decade. The 2010 U.S. Lighting Market Characterization examines the current conditions and broad trends in the U.S. lighting market, broken down by technology and sector. The report also details specific products, including comprehensive and detailed estimates of the national inventory of installed lighting products, as well as their performance characteristics, associated energy use, and lumen production – a measure of brightness. The report helps chart progress made toward the goal of transitioning to more energy-efficient lighting technologies across four sectors: residential buildings, commercial buildings, industrial buildings, and outdoor applications.

The study shows that in 2010, lighting used approximately 700 terawatt-hours (TWh), or nearly19% of the electricity produced in the United States. Of the total energy used for lighting, the commercial sector consumed nearly half, or 349 TWh, primarily with fluorescent lighting products. While there are nearly 6 billion light bulbs installed in the residential sector, far more than the approximately 2 billion lamps in the commercial buildings sector, the mostly incandescent residential lamps were not used nearly as much per day, on average, as lights in the commercial sector.

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DOE Announces New Online Tools to Help Deploy Distributed Wind Energy Systems

The Department of Energy (DOE) today announced two new online tools to assist state and local policymakers, consumers, and stakeholders in evaluating siting and policy issues to help accelerate the use of distributed wind energy systems – such as wind turbines installed at a homes and businesses. DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy funded development of the "Distributed Wind Site Analysis Tool" and "Distributed Wind Policy Comparison Tool" through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants. The tools are designed to help more people across the country install wind turbines to produce clean, renewable energy.

Distributed wind energy systems are typically installed near the point of electricity use at residences, businesses, and community institutions such as schools and hospitals to help save energy, reduce energy bills, and cut carbon emissions. The two online tools announced today will lower barriers to distributed wind energy deployment, identified in DOE's 2008 report, 20% Wind Energy by 2030. The report identifies site-specific factors such as zoning and permitting costs, interconnection fees, shipping, and other related costs as significant factors in the costs of distributed wind systems. Such costs can limit distributed system deployment even in wind-rich locations.

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DOE Highlights Energy Savings in Buildings that Meet 2010 Energy Standard

 

The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that buildings constructed to meet an energy efficiency standard issued in 2010 stand to reduce energy use by 18.5%, compared with buildings that meet the 2007 standard. DOE’s analysis shows that implementing the 2010 version of Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings, Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, will save commercial building owners energy and money, help them meet their sustainability goals, and reduce carbon pollution.

View the complete notice of DOE’s final energy-savings determination that appeared in the Federal Register.

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EPA Announces Winner of the 2011 Energy Star National Building Competition

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that the University of Central Florida (UCF) is the winner of EPA’s 2011 Energy Star National Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings. In its second year, the competition featured teams from 245 buildings across the country in a head-to-head battle to save energy, reduce costs, and protect people's health and the environment. UCF’s winning building was a parking garage on the university’s main campus where energy use was decreased by 63.2 percent. Together, competitors cut their energy costs by $5.2 million.

“All of the Energy Star National Building Competition participants are seizing the opportunities energy efficiency presents to cut pollution and save money. Congratulations to the University of Central Florida for leading the way,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Increasing energy efficiency is a key strategy for securing our nation's energy future, and Energy Star can help everyone from homeowners and small businesses to big buildings cut energy use and protect health by reducing air pollution.”

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Department of Energy Joins with Manufacturers, Environmentalists to Announce New Efficiency Standards for Home Refrigerators

 

Today, the Department of Energy issued final energy efficiency standards for home refrigerators and freezers that will improve their efficiency by about 25% by 2014. These new standards, developed through a consensus process with manufacturers, consumer groups, and environmentalists, are expected to deliver more than $200 in electricity bill savings for the typical consumer over the lifetime of the refrigerator. Nationally, consumers are expected to save more than $21 billion on their energy bills through 2043 as a result of the standards announced today.

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New Energy Star Initiative Recognizes Cutting-Edge Products with Highest Energy Efficiency

“Most Efficient” designation will help shoppers reduce their energy bills, provide incentives for manufacturers to innovate, and protect Americans’ public health and environment

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today are announcing for the first time products recognized as the most energy-efficient in their categories among those that have earned the Energy Star label. This pilot program is part of Energy Star’s overall commitment to protect people’s health and the environment by encouraging energy efficiency. The “Most Efficient” initiative also continues Energy Star’s work to provide consumers with the best efficiency information so they can make investments that will lower their energy bills and environmental impact. The new designation of Most Efficient aims to provide all manufacturers with an incentive for greater product energy efficiency while providing consumers new information about the products that comprise the top tier in the categories.

"This new designation will help Americans save money and cut pollution by quickly pointing them to the best Energy Star products have to offer. Highlighting Energy Star's Most Efficient products is a great way to encourage the strides in innovation that bring even more energy and money saving choices to our stores," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "We know American consumers are eager to make purchases that save them money on their utility bills and reduce the pollution in the air we breathe, and these labels will help them identify the best ways to find those purchases."

"Over the last two decades, the Energy Star program has consistently offered consumers energy choices that have helped families save billions of dollars on their energy bills,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu.  "The new Most Efficient designation is the next step towards encouraging new, more energy-efficient products to enter the market, so that consumers will have even more choices when it comes to high performance, high efficiency products that will save them energy and money.”

Products that receive the Most Efficient designation demonstrate exceptional and cutting-edge efficiency performance that environmentally-minded consumers and early adopters value. The Most Efficient recognition will represent approximately the top five percent of models on the market in the following categories: clothes washers, heating and cooling equipment, televisions, and refrigerator-freezers. The following Energy Star partners’ products are among the first to be recognized as Most Efficient: Electrolux Major Appliances, Sears’ Kenmore, LG, Samsung, Best Buy’s Insignia Brand, Panasonic, Nordyne, and Rheem. Later this year, EPA will initiate a process to consider additional product categories for potential inclusion in 2012.

Consumers will be able to identify Most Efficient products on the Energy Star website and in stores by looking for the Most Efficient designation. In addition to meeting established performance requirements, products must also be Energy Star qualified and certified by an EPA-recognized certification body. Manufacturers are encouraged to submit products that meet the requirements to EPA for recognition. 

Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to help Americans save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. Today, the Energy Star label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products as well as new homes and commercial and industrial buildings that meet strict energy efficiency specifications set by the EPA. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $18 billion on their energy bills while preventing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to annual emissions of 33 million vehicles.

More information on Energy Star’s Most Efficient qualifications: http://www.energystar.gov/me-criteria

DOE Report Highlights Innovative Breakthroughs in Energy-Efficient Technologies for Buildings

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a new report showcasing numerous energy-saving products and technologies, made possible through DOE research and development, which are currently available in the market or projected to enter the marketplace in the future. Because buildings consume roughly 40% of the nation's energy, more than transportation or the industrial sector, improving buildings with energy-saving products is one of the most beneficial ways to reduce energy waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The report, titled Buildings R&D Breakthroughs: Technologies and Products Supported by the Building Technologies Program (BTP), informs government professionals, architects, designers, manufacturers, and energy efficiency advocates about DOE project successes and next-generation innovations.

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Department of Energy Highlights New Global Energy Efficiency Standard

The Department of Energy (DOE) today recognized the publication of ISO 50001, a new global energy efficiency and energy management standard which will help organizations worldwide save money in their buildings and industrial facilities. The new international standard will pave the way for long term energy savings and serve as a critical tool for the implementation of the Department’s energy efficiency programs. This voluntary standard, developed by a project committee of 45 partnering countries from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), provides organizations with a framework for continuous energy performance improvements. The framework will encourage adoption of best practices that reduce the energy use of existing equipment and facilities, require the use of energy performance data to target cost-effective upgrades, and emphasize the design and installation of highly efficient energy systems and equipment. By increasing their operational efficiency, organizations that adopt the ISO 50001 standard will save money by saving energy.

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DOE Announces Over $30 Million to Help Universities Train the Next Generation of Industrial Energy Efficiency Experts

Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the availability of more than $30 million to train undergraduate- and graduate-level engineering students in manufacturing efficiency to help them become the nation's next generation of industrial energy efficiency experts. Through the Industrial Assessment Center program, university teams across the country will gain practical training and skills that will enable them to conduct energy assessments in a broad range of manufacturing facilities and help them compete in today's economy. These groups of student engineers will help local companies and factories to reduce energy waste, save money, and become more economically competitive.

"Through this industrial efficiency training program, students will gain hands-on experience and training for jobs in a growing global sector, while at the same time, reducing energy waste for American businesses and helping to make our manufacturing facilities more competitive," said Secretary Chu. "This program will make sure that the next-generation of American workers has the education and skills they need to further our transition to a clean energy economy."

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First Senior Care Communities Earn EPA’s Energy Star

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing 30 Sunrise Senior Living communities as the first senior care facilities to earn EPA’s Energy Star for superior energy performance. The communities have upgraded to more efficient lighting and improved operations of heating and hot water systems to improve their energy efficiency and save money while contributing to cleaner air and protecting people’s health.

The 30 communities, located in eight states across the country, join more than 12,600 Energy Star certified commercial buildings that are performing in the top 25 percent for energy efficiency when compared to similar buildings nationwide. The certified buildings typically use 35 percent less energy and produce 35 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Sunrise Senior Living owns 277 senior care communities in the United States, of which 11 percent are now Energy Star certified.

Nursing homes, assisted living communities, and certain types of continuing care retirement communities are now eligible to earn EPA’s Energy Star, in addition to 14 other commercial building types, such as schools and retail stores. There are more than 38,000 residential care communities in the United States and together they spend more than $1.5 billion annually on energy use. If each community reduced its energy use by just 10 percent, Americans could save more than $150 million per year.

Energy Star was started by EPA in 1992 as a market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency.  Today the Energy Star label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products, as well as new homes and commercial and industrial buildings that meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by EPA.  Last year alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved approximately $18 billion on their energy bills while preventing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions of 33 million vehicles.

EPA Announces Updated  Energy Star Standards for Lighting

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing updated standards for light fixtures to qualify for the Energy Star label – an efficiency program that has saved consumers money on their energy bills while contributing to cleaner air and protecting people’s health since 1992. Effective October 1, 2011, to qualify for the Energy Star label light fixtures will need to increase efficiency 30 percent above currently qualified fluorescent-based fixtures.  In 2013, performance requirements will increase further, providing 40 percent higher efficiency compared to currently qualified models.

Light fixtures that earn the Energy Star save consumers money on their energy bills and reduce the costs and hassle associated with bulb replacement. The bulbs in Energy Star qualified fixtures last at least 10 times longer than standard light bulbs. The fixtures will continue to meet other strict performance requirements that ensure quick start-up and high quality light output, as well as reduced toxics in the fixture materials. Additionally, the fixtures will come with a 3-year warranty, which is above the industry practice.

Consumers can expect to see a range of technology options qualifying under the new Energy Star requirements -- including fluorescent and LED lighting -- each held to the same high standard. In order to earn the Energy Star label under the new requirements, product performance must be certified by an EPA-recognized third-party, based on testing in an EPA-recognized laboratory.  In addition, manufacturers of the products must participate in verification testing programs run by recognized certification bodies.

Energy Star was started by EPA in 1992 as a market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the Energy Star label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products as well as new homes and commercial and industrial buildings that meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by EPA. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $18 billion on their energy bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 33 million vehicles.

More information on light fixtures: http://www.energystar.gov/luminaires

EPA Announces U.S. Cities with the Most Energy Star Certified Buildings

Third annual list shows dramatic growth, savings of energy efficient buildings

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing a list of U.S. metropolitan areas with the greatest number of energy-efficient buildings that earned EPA’s Energy Star certification in 2010. The list of 25 cities is headed by Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco; Chicago; New York; Atlanta; Houston; Sacramento; Detroit; and Dallas-Fort Worth. The growth in Energy Star certified buildings across the country has prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the emissions from the energy use of nearly 1.3 million homes a year, protecting people’s health, while saving more than $1.9 billion.

"When it's more important than ever to cut energy costs and reduce pollution in our communities, organizations across America are making their buildings more efficient, raising the bar in energy efficiency and lowering the amount of carbon pollution and other emissions in the air we breathe," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Through their partnership with Energy Star, metropolitan areas across the U.S. are saving a combined $1.9 billion in energy costs every year while developing new ways to shrink energy bills and keep our air clean."

EPA debuted its list of cities with the most Energy Star certified buildings in 2008. Los Angeles remains in first place for the third year; the District of Columbia and San Francisco hold second and third respectively for the second year; and Detroit and Sacramento are new to the top ten. New York City climbed five spots to claim fifth in the rankings and California boasts more cities on EPA’s list than any other state in the country with a total of five.

Surpassing the growth of the past several years, in 2010 more than 6,200 commercial buildings earned the Energy Star, an increase of nearly 60 percent compared to 2009. Since EPA awarded the first Energy Star to a building in 1999, more than 12,600 buildings across America have earned the Energy Star as of the end of 2010.

Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for nearly 20 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion per year. Commercial buildings that earn the Energy Star must perform in the top 25 percent of buildings nationwide compared to similar buildings and be independently verified by a licensed professional engineer or registered architect each year. Energy Star certified buildings use 35 percent less energy and emit 35 percent less carbon dioxide than average buildings. Fourteen types of commercial buildings can earn the Energy Star, including office buildings, K-12 schools, and retail stores.

More information on the top cities in 2010 with Energy Star certified buildings:
http://www.energystar.gov/TopCities

EPA’s Energy Star Leaders Drive Greater Energy Efficiency

WASHINGTON – Thousands of buildings across the country are saving energy while reducing harmful air pollutants and protecting the health of Americans with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star program. EPA recognized 74 leading Energy Star organizations for their achievements in energy efficiency across their entire building portfolios in 2010, 50 of which were recognized as first time Energy Star Leaders. Through their commitment to superior energy management, these organizations together have prevented the equivalent of more than 460,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually and saved more than $100 million a year.  

To be an Energy Star Leader, an organization must meet one of two energy efficiency improvement milestones. The first milestone requires a 10 percent improvement in energy performance across the entire building portfolio, and subsequent recognition is given for each 10 percent improvement thereafter. The second milestone, known as “top performer,” requires the buildings in an organization’s portfolio, on average, to perform in the top 25 percent of similar buildings nationwide.

Two organizations have taken Energy Star Leaders to new heights, becoming the first to improve energy efficiency across their building portfolios by 40 and 50 percent. These organizations are Blue Mountain School District in Pennsylvania and DeKalk County Central Unified School District in Indiana, respectively.

The complete list of Energy Star Leaders includes more than 150 school districts, commercial real estate companies, healthcare systems, supermarket operators, hotel managers, and government organizations. These organizations represent more than 6,790 buildings covering nearly 540 million square feet across 36 states and the District of Columbia.

List of Energy Star Leaders as of December 31, 2010: http://www.energystar.gov/2010_Leaders_list.pdf

More about Energy Star Leaders: http://www.energystar.gov/leaders

Innovative Energy Technology Transforms Wasted Heat into Electricity

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing two companies for innovative new products that recycle wasted energy and turn it into usable electricity in homes or small buildings. Micro combined heat and power (CHP) systems are an emerging technology that can help change how we use and produce energy in our homes while protecting people’s health. When offsetting purchases of coal-generated electricity in cold climates, this emerging technology can reduce energy use and curb carbon dioxide emissions by 20 to 30 percent.

As winners of the 2011 Energy Star Emerging Technology Award, Freewatt micro CHP system made by ECR International, N.Y., and the Ecopower micro CHP system made by Marathon Engine, Wis. are helping home and small building owners, particularly in the Northeast region, produce their own electricity, reducing their utility bills. These technologies capture wasted energy from space or water heaters and turn it into usable electricity from a single fuel source.

Although the technology has been successfully used in larger applications for many years, micro CHP systems have only recently been commercialized for small scale use in residential homes, apartment buildings and small office buildings. This year’s winning micro CHP systems met strict criteria for efficiency, noise, emissions and third party-verified performance.  In addition to submitting laboratory test results, products were monitored in the field for a minimum of one year to be eligible for recognition.

More information: http://www.energystar.gov/emergingtech

QA Graphics’ Energy Efficiency Education Dashboard Named Top Energy Conservation Product of 2010

Source: Yahoo News

QA Graphics’ Energy Efficiency Education Dashboard has been named a top green building product for the second year in a row for Environmental Design + Construction and Sustainable Facility magazines’ annual 2010 Readers Choice Awards.

Environmental Design + Construction (ED+C) and Sustainable Facility magazines’ third annual Readers Choice Awards competition was an online contest that allowed both manufacturers and readers the opportunity to showcase and vote for, respectively, the crème de la crème of green building products that best combine sustainable attributes with ease of use and installation. The contest reviewed green building products within nine different categories including: framing/structural, daylighting, energy conservation, exterior products/design, water conservation, interior products/design, software, energy systems and mechanical. The winners were announced at the U.S. Green Building Council’s® Greenbuild Conference and Expo in Chicago on Nov. 16. QA Graphics’ Energy Efficiency Education Dashboard was named the top Energy Conservation product for the second year in a row.

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EPA Recognizes Nation’s First WaterSense Labeled Homes

Water efficiency program aims to help homebuyers save money on utility bills while cutting their water and energy use

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the first WaterSense labeled homes in the country. WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by EPA that seeks to protect the future of our nation’s water supply by offering people a simple way to use less water.
The program is helping homebuyers cut their water and energy use while at the same time saving money on utility bills. Four WaterSense labeled new homes have been built by KB Home in Roseville, California, and will help families save an average of 10,000 gallons of water and at least $100 on utility costs each year.

“To meet the environmental and economic needs of homes and communities, it’s important that we’re doing everything we can to conserve water and energy and shrink costs for American consumers,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “The construction of the first WaterSense labeled homes, and the plans to build more, mark the beginning of an innovative approach that gives homeowners the chance to cut their water and energy bills and protect a vital environmental resource.”

Since signing on as the first national builder to partner with WaterSense, KB Home has agreed to build three communities of homes that will earn the WaterSense label, which will be the first in the nation to meet WaterSense criteria for newly built homes. Each house includes WaterSense labeled plumbing fixtures, an efficient hot water delivery system, water-efficient landscape design, and other water and energy-efficient features.

Each WaterSense labeled new home is independently inspected and certified to ensure EPA’s criteria are met for both water efficiency and performance. A WaterSense labeled new home is built to use about 20 percent less water than a typical new home.

EPA estimates that if the approximately 500,000 new homes built last year had met WaterSense criteria, the homes would save Americans 5 billion gallons of water and more than $50 million in utility bills annually.

More information on WaterSense:
http://www.epa.gov/watersense

 New ACEEE Report Ranks States by Energy Efficiency

 

• a near-doubling of state energy efficiency budgets from 2007 spending levels;
• the adoption or active consideration by more than half the states of Energy Efficiency Resource Standards that establish long-term, fixed efficiency savings targets;
• a one-year doubling of the number of states that have either adopted or have made significant progress toward adopting the latest energy-saving building codes for homes and commercial properties.

http://www.aceee.org/sector/state-policy/scorecard

 

External Power Adapters Will No Longer Be Available for EPA’s Energy Star Label

 

Efficiency gains brought about by Energy Star, transform the market

 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that as a result of major success in moving the external power adapter market towards greater and more sustainable energy efficiency, effective December 31, 2010, adapters will no longer be eligible for the Energy Star label. Energy Star saves Americans money and helps fight climate change.

 

External power adapters are sold with products like digital cameras, cordless phones and cell phones. EPA estimates there are approximately nine external power adapters for every person in the United States – as many as 2.7 billion in total. External power adapters were originally added to the Energy Star program in 2005 as a way to address energy waste across the broad array of diverse products powered by them.  At the same time, EPA specified the use of Energy Star qualified adapters for relevant product categories that were covered by the program.

 

Within 3 years, approximately 50 percent of all external power adapters sold in the United States were Energy Star qualified, saving 5 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) per year and reducing greenhouse gases by 1 million metric tons of carbon annually. In 2008, a federal minimum efficiency standard went into effect for adapters, mandating the Energy Star performance level. EPA strengthened the Energy Star requirements further and by 2009, estimates indicated that the market share of external power adapters meeting the new Energy Star specification was greater than 50 percent. Energy use associated with external power adapters nationally is estimated to be 12 billion kWh less per year than it would have been had their energy performance stayed where it was in 2005.

 

More information on adaptors: http://www.energystar.gov/eps_sunset

 

More information about the Energy Star program: http://www.energystar.gov

Energy Star Helps Auto Plants Improve Energy Efficiency

 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program has helped improve the energy efficiency of the auto manufacturing industry, which has cut fossil fuel use by 12 percent and reduced greenhouse gases by more than 700,000 tons of carbon dioxide, according to a recent report by the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions at Duke University.  The emissions reductions, which help to fight climate change, equal the emissions from the electricity use of more than 80,000 homes for a year.

The report, Assessing Improvement in the Energy Efficiency of U.S. Auto Assembly Plants, affirms EPA’s energy management strategy, particularly the importance of performance measurement and recognition for top performance.  The report also demonstrates that the gap between top performing plants and others has closed and the performance of the industry as a whole has improved. 

Central to this energy management approach is the Energy Star Energy Performance Indicator (EPI) for auto assembly plants, which enables industry to benchmark plant energy performance against peers and over time.  Energy Star EPIs exist or are under development for more than 20 other industries.  Across these industries, EPA has recognized nearly 60 manufacturing plants with the Energy Star label, representing savings of more than $500 million and more than 6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually.

The U.S. industrial sector accounts for more than 30 percent of energy use in the United States. If the energy efficiency of industrial facilities improved by 10 percent, EPA estimates that Americans would save nearly $20 billion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equal to the emissions from the electricity use of more than 22 million homes for a year.  Hundreds of industrial companies across more than a dozen manufacturing industries are working with EPA’s Energy Star program to develop strong energy management programs, earn the Energy Star for their plants and achieve breakthrough improvements in energy efficiency.

Read the report: http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/institute/Duke_EE_WP_10-01.pdf

More information about Energy Star’s work with the auto manufacturing industry: http://www.energystar.gov/industry

U.S. EPA, DOE Announce Changes to Bolster Energy Star Program

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy today jointly announced changes to the Energy Star product certification process to ensure that only products meeting the program requirements can receive an Energy Star label. These changes accelerate steps DOE and EPA have initiated over the past several months to bolster the verification, testing and enforcement aspects of the Energy Star program.
 
“The Energy Star program started out small and has grown quickly, and now the brand is immensely valuable to consumers and businesses,” said Gina McCarthy, EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation. “The safeguards we’re putting into effect are essential for the millions of consumers who rely on Energy Star products to help save energy, money and the environment.”
 
“Consumers trust the Energy Star brand to save them money and reduce carbon pollution,” said Cathy Zoi, DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. “The steps we are taking to strengthen the program will ensure that Energy Star continues to be the hallmark for energy efficiency in the years to come.”
 
Effective immediately, manufacturers wishing to qualify their products as Energy Star must submit complete lab reports and results for review and approval by EPA prior to labeling. Following a thorough review of the Energy Star qualification approval process, EPA has strengthened its approval systems and is no longer relying on an automated approval process.  All new qualification applications will be reviewed and approved individually by EPA.  EPA will begin accepting new applications by the end of the week.

Additionally, companies applying to be program partners will not be able to access the Energy Star certification mark until EPA has approved a specific Energy Star-qualified product submitted by the company.
 
EPA and DOE are further strengthening the certification process with a requirement effective at the end of the year that all manufacturers must submit test results from an approved, accredited lab for any product seeking the Energy Star label.  Testing in an accredited lab is currently required for certain product categories including windows, doors, skylights and compact fluorescent lighting. The new process will extend the requirement to each of the more than 60 eligible product categories under the Energy Star program.
 
These efforts are in addition to enforcement and testing procedures already in place to ensure compliance with Energy Star specifications.  The Department of Energy is conducting off-the-shelf product testing for some of the most common household appliances and a recent Inspector General audit found that 98 percent of products tested fully complied with Energy Star requirements.
 
The EPA and DOE are committed to continually strengthening and improving the Energy Star program, which provides information to consumers to help identify the most energy efficient products on the market that will save them money and reduce carbon pollution.

The Energy Star program outlined these steps in detail for EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson and DOE Secretary Steven Chu in an April 2 memo. More information: http://www.energystar.gov

Des Moines-West Des Moines Metro Area in Top 25 U.S. Cities with the Most Energy Efficient Buildings

   

(Kansas City-EPA) - The Des Moines-West Des Moines, Iowa, metropolitan area is tied for 24th on a list of U.S. metropolitan areas with the largest number of energy efficient buildings that earned EPA’s Energy Star in 2009. The Des Moines-West Des Moines metropolitan area has 36 Energy Star labeled buildings. Energy efficiency saves building owners money and fights climate change.

 

"These cities see the importance of taking action on climate change," said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “Communities from Los Angeles to Louisville are reducing greenhouse gases and cutting energy bills with buildings that have earned EPA's Energy Star."

EPA first issued its ranking of cities with the most Energy Star labeled buildings last year. This year, Los Angeles remains in first place; the District of Columbia picks up second; Denver and Chicago move into the top five; and Lakeland and New York City are new to the top 10.

 

Continuing the impressive growth of the past several years, in 2009 nearly 3,900 commercial buildings earned the Energy Star, representing annual savings of more than $900 million in utility bills and more than 4.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

 

Since EPA awarded the first Energy Star to a building in 1999, nearly 9,000 buildings across America have earned the Energy Star as of the end of 2009, representing more than a 40 percent increase over last year’s total. Overall annual utility savings have climbed to nearly $1.6 billion and greenhouse gas emissions equal to the emissions of more than 1 million homes a year have been prevented.

Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for 17 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of over $100 billion per year. EPA awards the Energy Star to commercial buildings that perform in the top 25 percent of buildings nationwide compared to similar buildings. Thirteen types of buildings can earn the Energy Star, including schools, hospitals, office buildings, retail stores and supermarkets.

 

View a list of the Top 25 Cities in 2009 with Energy Star labeled buildings: http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/downloads/2009_Top_25_cities_chart.pdf

 

Access EPA’s real-time registry of all Energy Star labeled buildings 1999-present: http://energystar.gov/buildinglist

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSEERVATION BLOCK GRANT AWARDS $5.8 MILLION FOR ENERGY PROJECTS

DES MOINES – The Iowa Office of Energy Independence (OEI) has awarded 78 statewide grants totaling $5,840,862 under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) program.

The awards are for projects from cities and counties across the state that will reduce energy use, have a positive impact on budgets and enhance the economic development through job creation.

The purpose of the Iowa EECBG program is to provide funding, via a competitive grant process, to assist local governments in creating and implementing strategies to:

·         Reduce fossil fuel emissions in a manner that is environmentally sustainable and, to the maximum extent practicable and maximize benefits for local and regional communities

·         Reduce total energy use of the eligible entities

·         Improve energy efficiency in the building, transportation and other appropriate sectors

·         Create and retain jobs

 Up to $8,634,400 of ARRA-EECBG funding is available for grants under this program and project awards were distributed among six categories.

1. Energy efficiency retrofits on facilities for nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies.
2. Development and implementation of energy efficiency and conservation programs for buildings and facilities within the jurisdiction of an entity.
3. Development and implementation of programs to conserve energy used in transportation.
4. Development and implementation of building codes and inspection services, compliance, training and enforcement associated with such codes in order to promote building energy efficiency;
5. Replacement of traffic signals and street lighting with energy efficient technologies; and
6. Development, implementation, and installation on or in any government building of onsite renewable energy technology that generates electricity from renewable resources.

 

Iowa’s thirteen largest cities – Ames, Ankeny, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque, Iowa City, Sioux City, Urbandale, Waterloo, and West Des Moines – and ten largest counties – Cerro Gordo, Clinton, Dallas, Des Moines, Johnson, Linn, Muscatine, Polk, Scott, and Warren – that have already received direct formula allocations from the U.S. Department of Energy were eligible to compete for approximately $2.9 million in funding. These awards will be announced by the OEI soon.

To review the list of awards, please visit: www.energy.iowa.gov.

EPA, DOE Announce New Steps to Strengthen Energy Star

 

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today outlined a series of steps to further strengthen the trusted Energy Star program. This action comes at a critical time for American consumers, many of whom struggle to keep up with their monthly energy bills. In addition to third-party testing already underway, EPA and DOE have launched a new two-step process to expand testing of Energy Star qualified products. This week, DOE began testing of some of the most commonly used appliances, which account for more than 25 percent of a household’s energy bill, and both agencies are now developing a system to test all products that earn the Energy Star label. The steps are part of an overall effort by the Obama Administration to improve the energy efficiency of homes and appliances to save families money. 

 

“Energy efficiency is more important than ever to American families,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “As our economy gets back on its feet, Energy Star is an easy way for consumers to save money and help fight climate change.”

 

“Consumers have long trusted the Energy Star brand for products that will save them energy and save them money,” said Cathy Zoi, DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.  “The steps we’re taking now will further strengthen and improve the program, building on the results that consumers have come to expect.”

 

Consumers can feel confident in Energy Star because in 2009 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved enough energy to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 30 million cars — all while saving nearly $17 billion on their utility bills.

 

Taking Action: The Obama Administration Strengthens Testing and Enforcement

 

EPA and DOE are taking aggressive action to promote confidence in the Energy Star brand through both testing and enforcement. 

 

Testing. EPA and DOE have launched a two-step process to expand testing of Energy Star qualified products:

 

·         DOE began tests this week on six of the most common product types: freezers, refrigerator-freezers, clothes washers, dishwashers, water heaters and room air conditioners. DOE will test approximately 200 basic models at third-party, independent test laboratories over the next few months. 

·         EPA and DOE are also developing an expanded system that will require all products seeking the Energy Star label to be tested in approved labs and require manufacturers to participate in an ongoing verification testing program that will ensure continued compliance.

 

   

Why Consumers Can Remain Confident in the Energy Star Brand

 

The Energy Star program already has a comprehensive system in place to ensure consumer confidence that products carrying the Energy Star label actually save energy and save them money.  Specifically:

 

• To receive an Energy Star label, manufacturers must submit data to the federal government showing that their product meets a set of clear, measurable energy efficiency program requirements outlined on http://www.energystar.gov

 

·         DOE and EPA conduct “off the shelf” and third-party testing of a wide range of products bearing the Energy Star label.  For example:

 

o        All Energy Star qualified windows, doors, and skylights must be independently tested by the National Fenestration Rating Council, an independent nonprofit organization with rigorous testing procedures monitored and supported by DOE.

 

o        EPA regularly conducts “off the shelf” testing to verify Energy Star compliance.  For example, in 2009 EPA tested 20 TV models and 16 imaging products and found 100 percent compliance with the Energy Star label. 

 

o        Residential Light Fixtures, compact fluorescent lights and Solid State Lighting systems (also known as LEDs) are all tested by accredited, third-party laboratories.

 

·         Market driven competition also provides a valuable insurance policy on the Energy Star brand.  Manufacturers know that the Energy Star label is very attractive to consumers, and often test a competing product to ensure it complies with the requirements.  Suspected violations can be reported to the EPA or DOE for follow-up. 

 

·         When a violation is found, the right to use the Energy Star label is revoked, corrective measures are required and the Energy Star partnership may be terminated.  For example, in 2008 under DOE pressure, LG Electronics agreed to pay back consumers for promised energy savings and provide free, in-home upgrades to improve several models of refrigerators.  These cases also produce substantial unfavorable publicity for manufacturers which can be very costly and create a major disincentive for companies to violate the program requirements.

 

Independent Review Finds 98 percent Compliance

 

Violations of the Energy Star label tend to get big media attention, which is good, because it provides a strong disincentive for companies to skirt the system and risk a wave of negative coverage about their product.  At the same time, consumers should be aware that in the past few years the number of violations has been quite small, especially given that more than 40,000 individual products carry the Energy Star label.

 

In 2009, EPA’s independent Inspector General conducted a “spot check” of the program, testing 60 Energy Star products.  Fifty-nine percent of the 60 products met or exceeded the Energy Star requirements.  One product, a specific model of printer, failed on one of three tests (not entering “sleep mode” fast enough).

More information on Energy Star: http://www.energystar.gov

EPA Recognizes Leaders in Energy Efficiency

 

Winners save energy and money through Energy Star program

 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is honoring a select group of manufacturers, retailers, public schools, hospitals, real estate companies, home builders and other organizations as 2010 Energy Star award winners. These organizations are being recognized for their long-term commitment to fighting climate change through greater energy efficiency.  Sears Holdings Corporation, PepsiCo, JC Penney, Food Lion, Whirlpool and Ford Motor Company are among the 110 award winners chosen from more than 17,000 partners in the Energy Star program.

 

“EPA congratulates this year's Energy Star award winners,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “Their commitment to energy efficiency makes these organizations valuable partners in the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change."

 

Organizations are recognized in one of three major award categories: Sustained Excellence, Partner of the Year, and Excellence.  The 50 Sustained Excellence winners have continued to exhibit exceptional leadership year after year in the Energy Star program while remaining dedicated to environmental protection through superior energy efficiency.  Forty organizations are receiving Partner of the Year for strategically and comprehensively managing their energy use. These organizations promote Energy Star products and practices in their own operations, in addition to providing efficient products and services to consumers and within their community.  Twenty organizations are recognized with an Excellence award for a specific activity to promote energy-efficient products, homes or buildings thereby helping to expand the reach of the Energy Star program.

 

American consumers and businesses have been saving energy and protecting the environment for more than two decades by partnering with EPA’s Energy Star program. In 2009 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved nearly $17 billion on their energy bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 30 million vehicles. To date, 1 million new homes and nearly 9,000 office buildings, schools, hospitals and public buildings have earned the Energy Star. Since 2000, 3 billion Energy Star certified products have been sold.

 

A complete list of the winners: http://www.energystar.gov/awards

STATE ENERGY EFFICIENCY APPLIANCE REBATE PROGRAM

DES MOINES - The Office of Energy Independence (OEI) will launch the State of Iowa Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program on March 1, 2010. At that time, Iowa residents will be able to take full advantage of the program to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs by purchasing approved energy rated appliances. 

“We anticipate that each Iowan who participates in this program will be able to save hundreds of dollars over the life of their new and more efficient, appliance,” said Roya Stanley, Director of the Iowa Office of Energy Independence. “Buying and using energy efficient appliances helps consumers save money while at the same time they are creating jobs and boosting the economy.”

The Office of Energy Independence will host an optional retailer’s informational training webinar on Friday, February 5th, 2010. Retailers are strongly encouraged to register as soon as possible by visiting: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/429282338.

The highly anticipated program is open to Iowa residential consumers only and rebate dollars are available on a first come first served basis. Rebates will only be eligible from the approved appliance list and purchases must be made on or after March 1, 2010.

 We urge consumers and retailers to review the list of approved appliances eligible for rebates and the frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) concerning the rebate program by visiting the Iowa Office of Energy Independence website at: http://www.energy.iowa.gov/

 

For more information please contact Program Planner: Linda King | Iowa Office of Energy Independence | 515-725-0082

EPA’s Energy Star Leaders Quadruple Energy Savings In One Year

 

WASHINGTON - In 2009, EPA’s Energy Star Leaders prevented the equivalent of more than 220,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide and saved more than $48 million across their commercial building portfolios. These savings have quadrupled since 2008 and represent the single greatest year of savings since EPA recognized the first Energy Star Leaders in 2004. Over the past five years, Energy Star Leaders are saving money and helping our environment by preventing greenhouse gas emissions equal to the emissions from the electricity use of nearly 39,000 homes annually.

 

Energy Star Leaders must meet one of two energy efficiency improvement milestones. The first milestone requires a 10 percent energy reduction across the entire building portfolio. The second, known as ”top performer,” requires the buildings in an organization’s portfolio, on average, to perform in the top 25 percent of similar buildings nationwide.

 

Fifty-eight organizations are recognized for at least one of these milestones in 2009 - more than double the number that qualified in 2008. More than 75 percent of Energy Star Leaders in 2009 met the top performer milestone, more than in any other year. The list of 2009 Energy Star Leaders is dominated by 54 school districts, many of which are located in the nation’s Midwest region.

 

The complete list of Energy Star Leaders has grown to more than 100 organizations since 2004, including school districts, commercial real estate companies, healthcare systems, supermarket operators and hotel managers. Energy Star Leaders represent more than 5,600 buildings covering nearly 390 million square feet across 32 states and the District of Columbia.

 

List of Energy Star Leaders as of December 31, 2009:

http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/leaders/2009_Leaders_list.pdf

EPA and DOE Join States to Speed Energy Efficiency Progress in the United States

 

WASHINGTON – As part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to increasing energy efficiency and reducing costs, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today the creation of the State Energy Efficiency (SEE) Action Network.  This network is meant to help states achieve maximum cost effective energy efficiency improvements in homes, offices, buildings and industry by 2020.  Strengthening energy efficiency initiatives across the country helps to save money and protect the environment at the same time.

 

“In the clean energy future, energy efficiency is action number one.  We can cut greenhouse gases and protect our environment at the same time we save money for homeowners, schools and businesses,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “With strong federal support, our state partners can realize these benefits even faster than expected and move aggressively into a clean, affordable energy future.”

 

“Expanding energy efficiency is one of the quickest, most cost-effective ways we can address climate change and grow America’s economy,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu.  “The State Energy Efficiency Action Network will help provide states with the technical and policy support they need to invest in energy efficiency, saving energy and money for families and businesses across the country.”

 

The SEE Action Network will be led by DOE and EPA. Through the network, DOE, EPA and other member organizations will assist states with their energy efficiency initiatives, including residential efficiency programs, financing solutions, and improving availability of energy usage information.  It will address the full range of challenges to implementation by providing targeted technical assistance to states in order to reach ambitious national energy goals to greatly improve our nation’s economy and environment.

 

The SEE Action Network will drive energy efficiency by using a broad set of goals developed in the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency, but will strive to reach these goals five years earlier than originally envisioned.  These goals range from establishing state-of-the art billing systems that provide consumers with consistent information on their energy use and costs to developing strong state policies to ensure robust energy efficiency practices.

 

The new SEE Action Executive Group will meet for the first time in early March. A number of working groups will continue to meet throughout the year to deliver results on specific goals.  

 

The National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency is a public-private initiative that began in the fall of 2005 to create a sustainable, aggressive national commitment to energy efficiency through collaborative efforts of gas and electric utilities, utility regulators, state agencies and other partner organizations. 

 

More information on the SEE Action Network: http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-programs/seeaction/index.html

 

More information on reports and tools for states advancing energy efficiency: http://www.epa.gov/eeactionplan

Iowa Power Fund Community Grants Awarded for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

DES MOINES -- The Iowa Office of Energy Independence (OEI) is pleased to announce grants for 30 community based energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across the state.

 About the Community Grants Program

The Community Grants program is funded through four percent of the annual appropriation of the Iowa Power Fund. Cities, counties and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for up to $50,000 to support community based programs. Some examples of qualified programs include: promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy locally, training for or creating jobs in the energy arena, establishing a community energy efficiency plan, creating public awareness about energy issues or helping community members understand how to identify and implement energy improvements.

Examples of the community grants awarded projects include:

• $50,000 for an energy study involving traffic patterns and the establishment of work hubs

• $50,000 for Renewable Fuels Education and Outreach

• $101,771 for Whole Town Energy Efficiency evaluation and planning that will impact 17+ communities across the state

• $45,000 for job training in energy efficiency

• $75,000 for k-12 education and renewable technology demonstration

 

A list of awarded projects is available on the Iowa Office of Energy Independence’s website at http://www.energy.iowa.gov/

The Office of Energy Independence will begin accepting applications for additional projects on February 5, 2010. All interested applicants may contact: Jessica Turba at (515) 725-0437 or Jessica.turba@iowa.gov

Iowa Receives $5.9 Million Energy Sector Green Jobs Grant

DES MOINES –  Governor Chet Culver today announced that Iowa has been awarded a three-year, $5.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand Iowa’s growing green economy sector and develop the skills necessary in the workforce to succeed in this new economy.  Iowa’s grant will target renewable energy, efficiency, Smart Grid Technology, Energy Assessments and other industries to increase the state’s overall strength in the green economy.  The overall goal of the grant is to bring state resources together to further develop the national green economy.

“Iowa is leading the way with the retention and creation of ‘green collar’ jobs of the future,” said Governor Culver. “I look forward to our continued work with the Iowa Energy Sector Partnership, public, and private entities as we work together to make Iowa the renewable energy capital of the United States, and build a world-class green economy.”

Over the next three years, the Iowa Energy Sector Partnership will implement a state-driven green workforce development plan with prioritized training needs, as identified by the Iowa Green Jobs Task Force.  The project will develop a statewide sector plan for the emerging green economy.  Iowa will focus on sustainable job growth in the Energy Sector and training workers with portable skills that provide opportunities and movement within the green sector.

Demand for upgraded energy efficiency at home is weak

 By Julie Schmit, USA TODAY

But consumer demand remains weak because of the cost and the dearth of strong financial incentives, which President Obama is now pushing Congress to provide.

"The big companies are coming to this area. But it's been difficult to get consumers to dig into their pockets," says Larry Zarker, CEO of the Building Performance Institute trade association.

In December, President Obama declared insulation "sexy" and pressed Congress to provide incentives to homeowners to improve home energy efficiency. Supporters call the idea "cash for caulkers" because it's similar to the government's "cash for clunkers" rebates that sparked auto sales last summer.

Supporters say incentives, matched by homeowner dollars, would drive energy retrofits, and the U.S. would cut energy use while putting construction workers back to work.

Read more

Des Moines Register guest column: Iowa utilities lead nation in promoting renewable energy, efficiency

While those carbon emissions are relatively small, Iowa and its utilities have worked aggressively to deliver energy efficiency programs and renewable energy to customers.

To read more....

EPA Announces New Energy Star Requirements for Audio/Video Equipment

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing new requirements for audio/video (AV) products to earn the Energy Star label. AV products meeting EPA’s new, more stringent specification will help protect the environment and reduce energy costs because they will be up to 60 percent more efficient than conventional models.

If all AV products sold in the United States met the new Energy Star requirements, Americans would save more than $1 billion in energy costs annually while reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 1 million vehicles every year.

 

EPA revised the earlier Energy Star requirements for AV to address the rapid turnover of products and technologies, as well as changes in usage patterns within the category. The more inclusive and flexible specification will promote greater energy efficiency in today’s diverse market for audio/video products.

 

The new requirements for audio/video equipment cover a wider range of products including home-theater-in-a-box, audio amplifiers, AV receivers, shelf systems, DVD players, Blu Ray players, and docking stations that offer audio amplification or optical disc drive functions. Commercial AV products are also covered.

 

To earn the Energy Star label, AV products must consume less power when they are on and must power down automatically after a period of inactivity, using only small amounts of power to maintain settings and other features.

The new requirements for audio/video products previously eligible for the Energy Star will be effective July 30, 2010. For products previously excluded from Energy Star, such as commercial AV products and docking stations, the new requirements are effective immediately.

More information on Energy Star qualified audio/video products: http://www.energystar.gov/av

ACEEE Releases Annual Scorecard Ranking States on Energy Efficiency