October 10, 2005—The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a report October 4 showing that with the help of Energy Star, a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency, Americans saved about $10 billion in 2004, plus enough energy to power about 25 million homes during peak power.
The report also states that Energy Star, along with EPA’s other voluntary programs, prevented 57 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, an increase from 48 million in 2003.
Other highlights from the report include:
- Through EPA’s Green Power Partnership, more than 500 partners have committed to purchasing more than 2 billion kWh of green power.
- More than 1.5 billion Energy Star qualified products have been purchased.
- Close to 12,000 homes have been improved through Home Performance with Energy Star.
- More than 2,500 builders have constructed over 360,000 Energy Star-qualified new homes.
In addition, partnership programs have achieved significant reductions of non-carbon dioxide gases. These programs include initiatives that develop clean energy solutions, increase the capture and use of methane gas, minimize emissions of other non-carbon dioxide gases, and provide opportunities for corporate partners to develop long-term comprehensive climate change strategies.
Copies of the 2004 annual report, “Investing in Our Future: Energy Star and Other Voluntary Programs,” are available online or by calling the Energy Star Hotline at 1/888-STAR-YES (1/888-782-7937).
