What does the “energy star” symbol found on refrigerators or other electronic devices mean? Energy Star certification is a label that certifies that that particular technological device boasts high energy efficiency, low consumption and, therefore, a low impact on the environment.
You may find a particular one on your phone, dehumidifier or new refrigerator certificationthe Energy Starrepresented by a white star on a blue background, and accompanied by the writing “Energy”. But what should this particular label mean?
The “Energy Star” is perhaps one of the environmental sustainability certifications most famous and important in the United States. It is certainly one of the most accredited by producers and consumers in many countries around the world.
Like other sustainability labels (remember for example those relating to buildings, LEED and BREEAM certification), also in this case its purpose is to make known the characteristics of a specific product from the point of view of environmental impact and, more precisely, of energy saving.
Well, in this article we will see what ENERGY STAR means, which products can display this label and what requirements must be met in order to receive certification.
What does ENERGY STAR mean?
The ENERGY STAR is a label that certifies theenergy efficiency of a specific product. In this specific case it is technological and electronic productssuch as IT, peripherals and devices of various kinds, light bulbs, dryers, dishwashers and air conditioners or other.
The certification can be requested voluntarily by the manufacturing companies. Its assignment is managed by specific certification bodies recognized byEnvironmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency – EPA) and from US Department of Energy.
In Europe this specific certification is not as widespread as in America, but it is equally recognized.
What is the ENERGY STAR program for?
The Energy Star certification was created with the aim of encouraging producers to optimize energy efficiency and reduce the consumption of your devices.
Improving the energy performance you will get a lower energy consumptionfewer fossil fuels will be burned and, consequently, there will be fewer emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. All this can only bring significant advantages for the health of our planet.
Furthermore, physically speaking, thanks to this label buyers have the possibility to easily recognize the more sustainable productsthose that guarantee greater energy savings and consequently a lower impact on the environment. In other words, this symbol can help us make smarter and greener choices.
Which products are covered by the EPA Energy star label?
Since its birth in 1992, the Energy Star program has certified the energy efficiency of different types of products, such as IT products or home appliances (dishwasher, refrigerators, freezers and others).
Later the certification took on even greater importance, so much so that today the label can even be applied to buildingboth private ones (houses) and public and commercial ones.
In order to obtain high energy efficiency certification, you must make a voluntary request. During the assessment phase, the company will have to demonstrate that it complies with the sustainability and energy performance standards set by the EPA.
If you are looking for information about an Energy Star certified device, you can find everything you need by visiting the site www.energystar.gov.
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Source: www.greenstyle.it
