History
The Energy Star program was created in
1992 by the
United States Environmental Protection Agency in an attempt to reduce energy consumption and
greenhouse gas emission by
power plants. The program was developed by John S. Hoffman, inventor of the Green Programs at US EPA, and implemented by Cathy Zoi and Brian Johnson. The program was intended to be part of a series of voluntary programs, such as Green Lights and the Methane Programs, that would demonstrate the potential for profit in reducing greenhouse gases and facilitate further steps to reducing global warming gases. It began as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote
energy efficient products, and computer products were the first to be labeled. It has since expanded to major appliances, office equipment, lighting, home electronics, and more.
[http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=about.ab_milestones Energy Star Milestones. Retrieved June 8, 2006.] The label can also be found on some new homes and commercial and industrial buildings.
The EPA estimates that it saved about $12 billion in energy costs in
2005 alone.
[http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=news.nr_news#annual EPA press release, "Energy Star Annual Report Released — Americans saved $12 billion in 2005". October 2006.] Energy Star has been a driving force behind the more widespread use of
LED traffic lights, efficient
fluorescent lighting,
power management systems for office equipment, and low
standby energy use.
Specifications
A new Energy Star specification for desktop computers went into effect
20 July,
2007.
[http://www.powerpulse.net/story.php?storyID=15059 PowerPulse.net, "New Energy Star Promoting New Specs at APEC and PPDC". March 20, 2006. Retrieved June 8, 2006.] The requirements are more stringent than the previous specification and existing equipment designs can no longer use the logo unless re-qualified. The power requirements are for 80% or greater
AC power supply efficiency using the standards defined by 80 Plus Program.
[http://www.80plus.org/80what.htm 80plus.org, "The 80 Plus Program | About". February 23, 2007. Retrieved March 03, 2007.]