ENERGY STAR® OVERVIEW OF 

2006 ACHIEVEMENTS 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY BENEFITS OUR ENVIRONMENT AND THE ECONOMY 

Energy efficiency offers one of the lowest cost solutions for improving our energy security, reducing our energy bills, 

and addressing the important issue of global climate change—all while helping to grow the economy. Energy efficiency 

is increasingly important to families and businesses, particularly now with the higher fuel prices of the past several 

years. However, in order to capture the multiple benefits of energy efficiency, a number of well-recognized and 

pervasive barriers must be overcome. 

Since its inception in 1992, the ENERGY STAR program has helped individuals and organizations nationwide adopt 

cost-effective, energy-efficient technologies and practices and better manage their energy costs. The ENERGY STAR 

program offers practical strategies to remove the market barriers that inhibit investments in energy efficiency. It serves 

a vital role as a credible, objective source of information and tools upon which businesses and homeowners can rely 

to make well-informed decisions. 

As a result, many Americans have been making wise choices for our environment and the economy, while 

experiencing the quality, comfort, and performance they expect from products, homes, buildings, and industrial 

facilities. More businesses and organizations are now viewing energy efficiency as critical to a successful business 

strategy. More households are investing in efficient products and home improvement practices and saving money on 

their utility bills. Collectively, these actions are reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and contributing to the 

President’s goal to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas intensity by 2012. 

As of 2006, more than 9,000 organizations have partnered with ENERGY STAR, and the program offers more energy 

efficiency solutions than ever before, creating new opportunities for individuals and organizations to reap significant 

financial and environmental benefits. The ENERGY STAR program is poised to continue assisting businesses and 

consumers in capturing the financial and environmental benefits of energy efficiency well into the future. 

This document provides a brief overview of key ENERGY STAR achievements in 2006, based on partner actions 

throughout the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. A more detailed summary of the achievements through 

2006 as well as plans for the future will be provided in an Annual Report published in the fall of 2007. 

RESULTS FOR 2006 

Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, prevented 37 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2006 

alone––equivalent to the annual emissions from 25 million vehicles––and saved more than $14 billion on their utility 

bills (see Fig. 1). They also saved a significant amount of energy in 2006––more than 170 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) or 

almost 5% of total 2006 electricity demand. In addition, ENERGY STAR helped avoid over 35,000 megawatts (MW) of 

peak power, equivalent to the generation capacity of more than 70 new power plants. 

These benefits have grown by more than 10% from one year ago, now totaling more than twice the benefits achieved 

in 2000. Savings are on track to nearly double again in 10 years as more households, businesses, and organizations 

rely on ENERGY STAR for guidance on investing in energy-efficient technologies, products, and practices. The 2006 

ENERGY STAR results represent about one-third of the total greenhouse gas emissions reductions from U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) climate change programs. 

FIG. 1. Since 2000, ENERGY STAR Benefits Have More Than Doubled 
ENERGY STAR PARTNERS 

A diverse set of public and private sector partners nationwide are 

joining forces with EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 

through ENERGY STAR to protect the environment, while bringing 

the value of energy efficiency to their customers, the public, and 

themselves. More than 9,000 ENERGY STAR partner organizations 

have committed to improving and promoting the energy efficiency 

of their products, homes, and businesses. They include: 

More than 1,700 manufacturers using the ENERGY STAR to label 

and differentiate more than 44,000 individual product models, 

many of which carry the brands that today’s consumers prefer. 

More than 900 retail partners bringing ENERGY STAR qualifying 

products and educational information to their customers. 

Close to 3,500 builder partners constructing new homes in every 

state and the District of Columbia that qualify as ENERGY STAR— 

saving homeowners money while maintaining high levels of 

comfort. 

About 2,500 private businesses, public sector organizations, and 

industrial facilities investing in energy efficiency and reducing 

energy use in their buildings. 

More than 40 states, 500 utilities, and many other energy 

efficiency program sponsors nationwide leveraging ENERGY STAR 

to improve the efficiency of commercial buildings and homes. 

Hundreds of energy service providers, energy raters, financial 

lenders, architects, and building engineers making energy 

efficiency more widely available through ENERGY STAR— 

providing additional value to their customers. 

FIG. 2. More Than 2 Billion ENERGY STAR Qualified Products 

Purchased Since 1992 

ENERGY STAR FOR THE HOME 

By looking to ENERGY STAR for best practices and products, 

households can reduce their energy use and save up to 30%, or 

$600 annually on average, on their utility bills (currently averaging 

around $1,900 per year). Recognized by more than 65% of the 

American public, the ENERGY STAR label is the trusted national 

symbol for environmental protection through superior energy 

efficiency. Whether replacing an old appliance, making home 

improvements, or buying a new home, consumers can use ENERGY 

STAR to help guide their purchasing decisions, save money, and 

prevent greenhouse gas emissions. 

Highlights for 2006 

Americans purchased more than 300 million ENERGY STAR 

qualified products in 2006 across more than 50 product categories 

for a cumulative total of more than 2 billion (see Fig. 2). These 

categories include appliances, heating and cooling equipment, 

consumer electronics, office equipment, and lighting, and offer 

consumer savings of as much as 90% relative to standard models. 

EPA added battery chargers to the suite of ENERGY STAR product 

categories. EPA also updated the ENERGY STAR specifications 

for several widely used products, such as imaging equipment and 

computers—which for the first time addressed active power—as 

well as vending machines and furnaces. DOE revised the criteria 

for dishwashers. Important progress was made in developing an 

internationally approved, technology neutral testing procedure 

for TVs in “on mode.” 

The governments of the United States and the European Union 

(EU) renewed their agreement to harmonize work and 

specifications on ENERGY STAR office equipment. 

ENERGY STAR outreach efforts helped generate more than 

one billion impressions in 2006 through a variety of media 

channels. These included the ENERGY STAR Change a Light, 

Change the World campaign, which propelled a new communitybased marketing effort, and the Cool Your World with ENERGY 

STAR campaign, which introduced a new educational tool on 

home energy efficiency, ENERGY STAR @ Home. 

As a result of these and other efforts, awareness and influence 

of the ENERGY STAR label is growing. By the end of 2006, more 

than 65% of the American public could identify the ENERGY STAR 

label. And, ENERGY STAR is positively influencing consumers’ 

purchasing decisions. One in four households knowingly 

purchased an ENERGY STAR qualified product in 2006, and more 

than 60% of those households credited the label as an important 

factor in their decision. 

State and locally sponsored programs have used Home 

Performance with ENERGY STAR to improve more than 26,000 

homes across the country. This comprehensive whole-house 

approach, backed by EPA and DOE, increases the comfort of 

existing homes, saves homeowners money on utility bills, and 

reduces peak loads. In 2006, four new sponsors launched programs 

to bring the benefits of Home Performance with ENERGY STAR to 

a growing number of families across the country. 

PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS 

ENERGY STAR is a major component of EPA’s climate protection programs. Every federal dollar spent on these partnership programs means: 

Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of 1.0 metric ton of carbon equivalent (3.7 tons of CO2). 

Savings for partners and consumers of more than $75 on their energy bills. 

The creation of more than $15 in private sector investment. 

Net savings of over $60. 
Close to 200,000 new homes were constructed to meet ENERGY 

STAR guidelines in 2006, bringing the total number of ENERGY 

STAR qualified homes to more than 725,000 (see Fig. 3). Owners of 

these homes are saving more than $170 million annually on their 

utility bills. As a result of the ENERGY STAR program’s expanding 

efforts, the total number of ENERGY STAR qualified homes 

nationwide has doubled in the past 2 years, with market 

penetration exceeding 20% of the new home starts in more than 

10 states and 20 metropolitan areas. 

ENERGY STAR FOR BUSINESS 

As ENERGY STAR partners, businesses and organizations of all sizes 

can capture significant economic and environmental benefits by 

managing their energy use strategically and maintaining a 

commitment to energy efficiency. EPA provides ENERGY STAR 

partners with a host of tools and guidance, including standardized 

measurement tools and proven business and energy management 

strategies, in order to help them achieve impressive results. 

Highlights for 2006 

Now in the second year of the ENERGY STAR Challenge, which 

calls on U.S. businesses and institutions to reduce energy use by 

10% or more, EPA along with leading associations and states is 

engaging many building owners in improving the efficiency of 

their building portfolios. For instance, the Building Owners and 

Managers Association (BOMA) launched a new energy 

performance program with EPA for its members, which has 

already reached nearly 5,000 real estate professionals. 

EPA recognized more than 40 organizations for their significant 

energy savings and for leading their industries in responding to 

the ENERGY STAR Challenge. These ENERGY STAR Leaders 

achieved at least 10% energy savings across their portfolios of 

buildings. The nation’s school districts are leading the way, along 

with banks, commercial real estate companies, hospitals, hotels, 

and supermarkets. These Leaders represent more than 3,800 

facilities and more than 200 million square feet. 

FIG. 3. Total ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes Doubled in the 

Past Two Years 

EPA also recognized more than 3,200 buildings, representing almost 

575 million square feet, with the ENERGY STAR label for superior 

energy and environmental performance (see Fig. 4). On average, 

these buildings use about 35% less energy than typical buildings, 

and about 400 of them use 50% less energy than typical. Overall, 

the owners of these buildings are saving an estimated $600 million 

annually on their energy bills relative to average buildings. 

A growing number of buildings have now been rated for energy 

efficiency as well, an important first step in targeting energy 

efficiency improvements. More than 30,000 buildings have been 

assessed using EPA’s energy performance rating system. These 

buildings, representing more than 5 billion square feet (see Fig. 4), 

include 42% of hospital space, 30% of supermarket space, 25% of 

office building space, 18% of school space, and 17% of hotel 

space across the country. 

The use of ENERGY STAR Exchange Services, an automated tool 

that facilitates building benchmarking through third-party servers, 

grew 80% in 2006. These services provided regular energy ratings 

for more than 5,500 buildings, allowing building owners and 

managers to diagnose and correct energy issues. 

EPA also offered benchmarking and other training sessions to 

several hundred Service and Product Provider partners with good 

results. This industry helped rate more than 7,000 buildings and label 

30% of the buildings qualifying for the ENERGY STAR during the year. 

The number of participating architecture and engineering (A&E) 

firms rose to 90. Partners now use the “Designed to Earn the 

ENERGY STAR” graphic on project drawings to show that the 

project meets EPA energy performance criteria. 

In the industrial sector, EPA continued to provide focused energy 

guidance, energy performance indicators, and networking 

opportunities, reaching a record 10 manufacturing sectors, in 

addition to its work with hundreds of industrial companies. In 

2006, EPA expanded the ENERGY STAR label to manufacturing 

plants that achieve top energy performance. Twenty automobile 

assembly, cement, and wet corn milling plants met the newly 

established energy performance criteria in 2006 and displayed the 

ENERGY STAR at their facilities. 

FIG. 4. Total Commercial Building Space Benchmarked 


and Labeled

ENERGY STAR® 

AWARD WINNERS 

SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE 

3M 

St. Paul, MN 

Advantage IQ 

Spokane, WA 

ASTORIA HOMES 

Las Vegas, NV 

Austin Energy 

Austin, TX 

California Portland Cement Company 

Glendora, CA 

CenterPoint Energy 

Houston, TX 

David Powers Homes 

Houston, TX 

Ence Homes 

St. George, UT 

Food Lion, LLC 

Salisbury, NC 

GE Consumer & Industrial 

Louisville, KY 

Giant Eagle, Inc. 

Pittsburgh, PA 

Gorell Enterprises, Inc. 

Indiana, PA 

Marriott International, Inc. 

Washington, DC 

Nevada ENERGY STAR Partners 

Las Vegas, NV 

New York-Presbyterian Hospital 

New York, NY 

New York State Energy Research 

and Development Authority 

Albany, NY 

OSRAM SYLVANIA 

Danvers, MA 

Save More Resources 

Dallas, TX 

Sea Gull Lighting Products, LLC 

Riverside, NJ 

Toyota Motor Engineering & 

Manufacturing North America, Inc. 

Erlanger, KY 

Transwestern 

Houston, TX 

TXU Electric Delivery 

Dallas, TX 

USAA Real Estate Company 

San Antonio, TX 

Veridian Homes 

Madison, WI 

Whirlpool Corporation 

Benton Harbor, MI 

Wisconsin Focus on Energy 

Madison, WI 

PARTNER OF THE YEAR– 

RETAILER 

The Home Depot, Inc. 

Atlanta, GA 

PARTNER OF THE YEAR– 

PRODUCT MANUFACTURER 

AGA Foodservice Equipment 

Cherry Hill, NJ 

Lennox Industries Inc. 

Richardson, TX 

Pella Corporation 

Pella, IA 

Precision Entry, Inc. 

Sugarcreek, OH 

Progress Lighting 

Greenville, SC 

EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY STAR 

PROMOTION 

Bosch Home Appliances 

Huntington, CA 

Georgia Power 

Atlanta, GA 

Long Island Power Authority 

Uniondale, NY 

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. 

Mooresville, NC 

Nationwide Marketing Group 

Winston-Salem, NC 

Northeast ENERGY STAR Lighting 

and Appliance Initiative 

Lexington, MA 

Rocky Mountain Power 

Salt Lake City, UT 

The National Energy Education 

Development Project 

Manassas, VA 

EXCELLENCE IN APPLIANCE 

RETAILING 

Sears Holdings 

Hoffman Estates, IL 

PARTNER OF THE YEAR–ENERGY 

EFFICIENCY PROGRAM DELIVERY 

Arizona Public Service (APS) 

Phoenix, AZ 

Building Owners and Managers 

Association (BOMA) International 

Washington, DC 

Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance 

Portland, OR 

Pacific Gas and Electric Company 

San Francisco, CA 

Southern California Edison 

Rosemead, CA 

Southern California Gas Company 

Los Angeles, CA 

PARTNER OF THE YEAR– 

ENERGY MANAGEMENT 

Davenport Community School 

District 

Davenport, IA 

Ford Motor Company 

Dearborn, MI 

J.C. Penney Company, Inc. 

Plano, TX 

Jones Lang LaSalle 

Chicago, IL 

McDonald’s USA 

Oak Brook, IL 

Merck & Co., Inc. 

Whitehouse Station, NJ 

PepsiCo 

Purchase, NY 

Raytheon Company 

Waltham, MA 

San Diego Unified School District 

San Diego, CA 

Seaford School District 

Seaford, DE 

Shriners Hospitals for Children -

Houston 

Houston, TX 

PARTNER OF THE YEAR–


SERVICE AND PRODUCT PROVIDER


Schools for Energy Efficiency from 

Hallberg Engineering, Inc. 

White Bear Lake, MN 

EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY-EFFICIENT 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 

Community Housing Partners 

Corporation 

Christiansburg, VA 

Enterprise 

Columbia, MD 

Houston Habitat for Humanity 

Houston TX 

Louisville Metro Housing Authority 

Louisville, KY 

New Jersey Green Homes Office ­

NJ Department of Community 

Affairs 

Trenton, NJ 

Pennsylvania Housing Finance 

Agency 

Harrisburg, PA 

Philadelphia Housing Authority 

Philadelphia, PA 

EXCELLENCE IN HOME 

IMPROVEMENT 

Efficiency Vermont 

Burlington, VT 

National Grid 

Westborough, MA 

PARTNER OF THE YEAR– 

NEW HOMES 

Advanced Energy 

Raleigh, NC 

Anderson Homes, Inc. 

Cary, NC 

Bob Ward Companies 

Edgewood, MD 

Bosgraaf Homes 

Holland, MI 

CMH Manufacturing, Inc. 

Maryville, TN 

DPIS Engineering, LLC 

Tomball, TX 

Energy Inspectors 

Las Vegas, NV 

Energy Services Group 

Wilmington, DE 

Fox Energy Specialists, 

The Nelrod Company 

Fort Worth, TX 

Haven Properties 

Alpharetta, GA 

Holton Homes Inc. 

Nampa, ID 

K. Hovnanian Homes - Minnesota 

Division 

Eden Prairie, MN 

Palm Harbor Homes 

Addison, TX 

Southern Energy Management 

Raleigh, NC 

Southwest Energy Conservation, LLC 

El Paso, TX 

The Commodore Corporation 

Goshen, IN 

Winton/Flair Custom Homes 

El Paso, TX 

SPECIAL RECOGNITION– 

EXCELLENCE IN EFFICIENCY 

Denton Affordable Housing 

Corporation 

Denton, TX 

Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc. 

Portland, OR 

Innovative Design, Inc. 

Raleigh, NC 

Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity 

Nashville, TN 

Seattle Lighting 

Seattle, WA 

Worcester East Side Community 

Development Corporation 

Worcester, MA 

U.S. Department of Housing and 

Urban Development 

Region I, Bob Paquin


Region IV, Jim Chaplin


For more information, visit www.energystar.gov 

Region VI, Laurence Doxsey 

Region IX, Wayne Waite 

All values and figures for 2006 are preliminary as of March 1, 2007. 

Source for all figures: EPA Climate Protection Partnerships Division