Rapid Readout: Benefits of ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR is the venerable U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program best known by its distinctive blue logo, which helps consumers choose high-efficiency appliances and electronics that save them money. But ENERGY STAR is much more than that, and it underpins countless federal, state, and local energy efficiency initiatives. This Readout provided background on the bipartisan origins and heritage of ENERGY STAR and described the many benefits the program delivers to households and businesses, including retailers, developers, and utilities.

Highlights

KEY TAKEAWAYS

With a $32 million budget, ENERGY STAR programs deliver $42 billion in annual energy cost savings for participating consumers and businesses, and 400 million metric tons in greenhouse gas emission reductions—5% of annual U.S. emissions. About 90% of Americans recognize the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR works because people know and trust it.  About 1,800 manufacturers and 1,200 retailers partner with ENERGY STAR to make and sell ENERGY STAR-certified products. About 2,400 builders, developers, and manufactured housing facilities participate in the program, and they built 350,000 ENERGY STAR homes in 2024. Another 330,000 commercial properties and 180 utilities have used ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to compare building energy use to other similar buildings and explore opportunities for energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR provided the basis for the 45L tax credit for new home construction and for some parts of the 25C tax credit for home energy efficiency improvements. ENERGY STAR tools offer transparency and insights to manufacturers and retailers. The program’s Scope 3 Use of Sold Product Analysis Tool helps retailers voluntarily report emissions from their facilities.