What is Energy Star?
Energy Star is a partnership among government, business and consumers that seeks to protect and preserve the environment for the future. First used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify energy-efficient computers, the Energy Star label has expanded to identify energy efficient appliances, homes and buildings. Since the introduction of the Energy Star label, Americans have purchased more than one billion products that are carrying the Energy Star label and improved the efficiency of thousands of homes and buildings.
How Does Energy Star Affect My Business?
Many MLGW commercial/industrial customers are continually looking for ways to conserve energy and reduce their utility bills. By using Energy Star approved appliances, equipment and buildings, you are making a difference by helping to save energy, reduce your energy costs, and protect the environment. This equipment is just as effective as those that do not conform to Energy Star standards, but use less energy and are more environmentally friendly. Last year, Americans saved the energy required to power 15 million homes and reduced air pollution equivalent to taking 14 million cars off the road. In addition, they saved $7 billion on energy bills. Energy Star makes a difference!
How Do I Identify Energy Star Equipment?
When shopping for equipment such as lighting, HVAC systems, motors and office equipment, look for the Energy Star logo.
Be a part of a national campaign encouraging all Americans to join a growing community of over two million individuals who have pledged to take small, individual steps that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the effort against climate change."
Energy Star Podcasts
Energy Star offers podcasts about a variety of ways consumers can save energy and money during the cooling and heating seasons. Building owners can also learn more about how to make their facilities energy efficient.
Tax Credits and Incentives
Business owners and consumers who have made qualified energy efficiency improvements to their businesses or homes may qualify for tax credits and incentives. Check out the following web sites to see if your improvements qualify.
- Tax Deductions for Commercial Buildings
- Tax Credits for Home Builders
- DSIRE Energy Efficiency Tax Credit
Energy Management for Buildings and Plants
The Energy Star web site provides energy management guides and tools for businesses. For more information, visit Energy Star's Buildings and Plants website.
- Energy Management for Buildings and Plants
Search below for a list of facilities that measurably cost less to operate and improve the quality of our environment. These are not demonstration facilities, but rather real world buildings and plants resulting from prudent energy management strategies and proven technologies.
- Industrial Energy Management
Energy management is the first step to save money and improve sustainability. Hundreds of manufacturing companies routinely use EPA's ENERGY STAR to help them manage energy across their operations.
- Energy Star Recognition and Certification
Sometimes, you need more than a pat on the back. For that, EPA offers three types of formal recognition for energy efficiency within individual facilities. Find out how (1) your buildings can become Energy Star certified or (2) your buildings can be entered into the National Building Competition or (3) your organization can participate in the Energy Star Challenge for your Industry.
Energy Star Portfolio Manager Tool
Portfolio Manager is an interactive energy management tool that allows you to track and assess energy and water consumption across your entire portfolio of buildings in a secure online environment. Whether you own, manage, or hold properties for investment, Portfolio Manager can help you set investment priorities, identify under-performing buildings, verify efficiency improvements, and receive EPA recognition for superior energy performance.
Bring Green to Work with Energy Star's Energy @ Work Tool
The buildings where we work, shop, play, and learn account for nearly half of the nation's energy use. With help from EPA's ENERGY STAR program, find out how you can save energy and fight global warming by making many of the same green choices at work that you make at home. Simple actions by employees can make a big difference in the overall energy performance of a building. To take a tour of Energy Star @ Work.
Energy Star Choose A Light Guide
DOE announces the release of the Energy Star Choose A Light Guide. The Guide is an interactive online tool designed to show consumers which compact fluorescent (CFL) types are most appropriate for certain fixtures. The Guide also demonstrates the differences between soft white, bright white, and daylight color temperatures, and provides tips for proper CFL use.
How Can I Find Out More About Energy Star?
Go to the Energy Star website to find out more about the program, or click on the links below on the following subjects:
- Certified Product Finder
- Guideline for Energy Management
- Energy Strategy for the Future
- Navigating Energy Management: A Roadmap for Businesses
- Green Building & Energy Efficiency
- Green Starts with Energy
- Building Design Guidance Checklist
- Building Upgrade Manual
- Strategies and incentives to finance energy efficiency projects
- Training
Resources For:
Memphis, TN 38103