Home
EPA Revises the ENERGY STAR Advanced Lighting Package (ALP)
EPA has recently announced that they have revised the ALP definition to simplify the package to increase builder adoption. The ALP is referenced in the National Association of Home Builders’ Green Home Building Guidelines and the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes rating system, and has been praised by many builders as a way to distinguish themselves and their homes in the marketplace. However, EPA felt that the criteria had caused builder confusion and slowed adoption.
ALP Definition
- Lighting packages that consist of a minimum of 60% ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures now meet the ENERGY STAR Advanced Lighting Package. Note: All ceiling fans and ceiling fans with lighting must meet ENERGY STAR.
ALP Benefits to the Builder
- Increased Revenue
• Market Differentiation
• Design Flexibility and Fixture Aesthetics
• Enhanced Customer Satisfaction
LP Benefits to the Consumer
- Selection
- Improved Quality
- Enhanced Comfort
- Energy Cost Savings
- Environmental Protection
Tell the EPA about your Advanced Lighting Package Installations!
- Add publicity and notoriety for your business by notifying the EPA about any of your ALP installations (60% ENERGY STAR fixtures)
- ALP installations will be featured on the ENERGY STAR website
Send any information about your Advanced Lighting Package installations to energystar_alp@icfi.com.
ENERGY STAR Qualified Appliances
Save Energy through Advanced Technologies
Every appliance comes with two price tags: what it costs to take it home and
what it costs to operate and maintain it each month. ENERGY STAR qualified
appliances incorporate advanced technologies and use 10 to 50 percent less
energy than standard appliances. From refrigerators to clothes washers, ENERGY
STAR qualified appliances save energy, save money, and help reduce emissions of
greenhouse
gases and air pollutants at the source.
BENEFITS OF ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED APPLIANCES
- Lower Utility Bills. Appliances account for nearly 20 percent of the average household's energy use. A comprehensive package of ENERGY STAR qualified appliances can save up to $80 a year in energy costs compared to standard appliances.
- Improved Quality and Durability. Energy-efficient appliances often include quality components surpassing those found in standard appliances. These can result in fewer mechanical problems, longer equipment life, and in many cases extended warranties.
- Enhanced Performance. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances often outperform
standard appliances due to improved design and advanced technologies. For
instance, some ENERGY STAR qualified appliances include features that
decrease operating noise, while
others include technologies that reduce water use.
OVERVIEW OF ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED APPLIANCES
REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS
ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators use up to 40 percent less energy than the
conventional models sold in 2001 and at least 15 percent less
energy than models built to current federal standards. These refrigerators
feature high-efficiency compressors, improved insulation, and more
precise temperature and defrost mechanisms. ENERGY STAR qualified freezers use
at least 10 percent less energy than required by current
federal standards.
TIP: Leave space between the refrigerator and walls to allow
air movement and brush (or vacuum) refrigerator or freezer coils regularly to
maintain efficient operation.
DISHWASHERS
ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers use at least 41 percent less energy than
the federal minimum standard for energy consumption. These dishwashers use
"smart" features such as effective washing action, energy-efficient motors, and
sensors that determine the necessary cycle length and water temperature.
TIP: Use short wash cycles for everything but the dirtiest
dishes.
CLOTHES WASHERS
ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers use 40 to 50 percent less energy and
about 55 percent less water than standard washers. As a
result, you can expect to save up to $50 per year on utility and water bills,
with additional savings from using less detergent. Most ENERGY
STAR qualified washers extract more water during the spin cycle, providing
further energy savings when using a clothes dryer because drying time will be
shorter. Also, owners will see less wear and tear on clothes from front loading
models, which do not need an agitator.
TIP: Use the correct amount and type of detergent; too many
bubbles will make the machine work harder than necessary.
A BETTER FUTURE
ENERGY STAR is a voluntary partnership between the government and more than
9,000 organizations, including more than 3,500 of the nation's home builders.
Together with home buyers and their families, we are working to achieve a common
goal - protecting the environment for future generations by changing to more
energy-efficient practices and products today.
ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. It identifies
new homes, buildings, and more than 50 types of products that are energy
efficient and offer the features, quality, and performance that today’s
consumers expect. Products that can earn the
ENERGY STAR include windows, heating and cooling equipment, lighting, and
appliances. To learn more about ENERGY STAR, visit
www.energystar.gov.
More About Energy Star
