October 1, 2004—ENERGY STAR and other voluntary programs prevented 48 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2003, up from 43 million in 2002, reports the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The 2003 annual report catalogues the environmental and economic benefits of a range of EPA energy-efficiency and climate protection programs.
With ENERGY STAR, Americans prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 18 million automobiles and saved $8 billion on their energy bills. Also through the combined efforts of the methane programs, US methane emissions are expected to be kept below 1990 levels through 2012. Through EPA’s Green Power Partnership, more than 230 partners have committed to purchasing more than 1 billion kilowatt-hour of green power. The voluntary climate change 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 Protecting the Environment—Together: ENERGY STAR and Other Voluntary Programs are available online or by calling the ENERGY STAR Hotline at 888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).
