ENERGY STAR Program ENERGY
STAR is a voluntary program managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) along with the Department of Energy (DOE) that helps businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy
efficiency. ENERGY STAR certifies some 30 products in a variety of categories that achieve high levels of energy efficiency, including
appliances,
lighting,
windows and
doors, heating and
cooling, exit
signs, office
equipment, and electronics.
As well, the ENERGY STAR Homes program certifies homes that meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set forth by
EPA. Energy Star has also expanded to cover improvements that make
existing homes more energy-efficient.
How is HUD involved with Energy Star?
HUD, EPA, and DOE signed a formal partnership in 2002 to promote ENERGY STAR throughout HUD's affordable housing programs. Efforts to promote ENERGY STAR will not only improve the energy efficiency of the affordable housing stock, but will
also help protect the environment.
"President Bush directed the federal government to find ways to promote energy efficiency and conservation," said HUD Secretary Mel Martinez. "Today's agreement is a major step towards ensuring that our agencies work together to improve the energy efficiency of new and existing homes by promoting the use of Energy Star."
The three agencies will work together to promote the purchase of ENERGY STAR labeled appliances by the nation's housing authorities, and in HUD's inventory of privately-owned assisted housing. The agreement will also promote the construction of new ENERGY STAR-labeled homes through HUD programs. These efforts will include developing ENERGY STAR informational and promotional materials which can be distributed to field staff, public housing authorities, formula and competitive grant recipients and assisted housing property managers to help educate home buyers and homeowners on the benefits of purchasing ENERGY STAR products or of building energy-efficient new homes.
Read the entire Memorandum
of Understanding.
How Can My Housing Benefit From Energy Star?
Increasing energy efficiency in the public housing stock can yield
significant cost savings for property owners and building residents. EPA estimates that an individual apartment renter can save 15% to 20% with the installation of ENERGY STAR appliances such as refrigerators, window air-conditioners and lighting and other ENERGY STAR products. An ENERGY STAR labeled new home can save 30% or more on heating and cooling bills. This can be a savings of $200 to $400 a year.
Products meeting ENERGY STAR standards are identified on the website, along with other sources of information, savings calculators, and more. The website also identifies ways to make your home or business more energy-efficient and, thus, less costly to operate. For example, the
Business
Improvement section includes a Renters & Tenants page that offers tips to reduce energy use.
The Solutions to Common Home Improvements section helps resolve energy issues in existing homes and offers advice on increasing energy efficiency levels during a remodeling project.
Go to the ENERGY STAR website.
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