### SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE

##  **\[Organization/Company/Government Name\] TAKES ENERGY STAR^®^ CHALLENGE TO SAVE MONEY AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT**

## 

**\[Date, City, State\]** --- In a positive step toward improving energy
efficiency and fighting global warming,
**\[Organization/Company/Government Name\]** has taken the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency\'s (EPA's) ENERGY STAR Challenge.

The ENERGY STAR Challenge, launched by EPA in March 2005, calls for an
energy efficiency improvement of 10 percent or more for the more than 5
million commercial and industrial buildings in the United States. Energy
is often generated by burning fossil fuels, which emits greenhouse gases
that contribute to global warming. Forty-five percent of U.S. greenhouse
gas emissions are caused by buildings and industrial facilities. Making
more efficient use of energy is the best starting point for reducing our
carbon footprint and saving money.

INSERT QUOTE FROM ORGANIZATION OFFICIAL (SAMPLE QUOTE BELOW)

\"Many of us are taking steps to improve energy efficiency at home but
may not realize that there are opportunities to save where we work,
shop, play, and learn, as well,\" said **\[Organizational Representative
Name, Title\]**. \"By making energy-efficient choices, we can reduce our
energy use and save money while protecting the environment.\"

The potential savings are staggering. EPA estimates that if the energy
efficiency of commercial and industrial buildings in the U.S. improved
10 percent, Americans would reduce greenhouse gas emissions equal to
those from about 30 million vehicles while saving about \$20 billion.\*

Today, leading companies realize that energy efficiency is not only the
first step to being green, but is also smart business. Energy efficiency
improvements can yield a high return on investment and is necessary in
order to remain competitive. Businesses, organizations, and governments
that are leaders in energy efficiency use about 30 percent less energy
than their competitors.

\"The Challenge is a win-win for us and for other
**\[Businesses/Organizations/Governments\]** looking to save energy and
improve the bottom line,\" continued **\[Organizational Representative
Last Name\].** \"Through ENERGY STAR, EPA provides the tools and
resources to help us strategically manage our energy use.\"

ENERGY STAR was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based
partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy
efficiency. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 50
different kinds of products, new homes, and commercial and industrial
buildings. Products and buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR
designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict
energy-efficiency specifications set by the government. In 2007,
Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved about \$16 billion on
their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions
equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles.

\* Sources: Energy Information Administration. \"2003 CBECS Detailed
Tables. Table C4A. Expenditures for Sum of Major Fuels for All
Buildings, 2003.\" December 2006. 1 June 2007. Energy Information
Administration. \"2002 Energy Consumption by Manufacturers --- Data
Tables. Table 7.9 Expenditures for Purchased Energy Sources, 2002.\"
2002. 1 June 2007. Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas and Sinks:
1990--2005. \"USEPA #430-R-07-002, Table 2-16: U.S. Greenhouse Gas
Emissions by Economic Sector and Gas with Electricity-Related
Emissions.\" April 2007. 14 June 2007. From Table 2-16 US Greenhouse Gas
Emissions by Economic Sector (CPPD Approved Source) Commercial Total CO2
= 1024.98 mmt Industrial - Electricity Related Only CO2 = 679.7 mmt
Total CO2 = 1704.68 mmt Using US Climate Technology Cooperation Gateway
Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator (CPPD Approved
Source/Calculator) 1704.68 Million Metric Tons CO2 = 304,951,699
vehicles; 10% reduction for Challenge = approximately 30 million
vehicles (Source: EPA).