A washing machine and clothes dryer in a laundry room

Appliance Products

More than 40% of the total energy consumed in the United States is used for operating buildings, and most of that energy goes toward appliances and building-related equipment. Conventional energy generation is associated with releases of toxic air contaminants, mercury, particulates, and other hazardous air pollutants of concern. Reducing energy use reduces these criteria pollutants and protects health. ENERGY STAR, the most widely recognized certification for appliances, certifies air purifiers (cleaners), clothes washers and dryers, commercial clothes washers, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, commercial food service equipment, office equipment, building materials, heating and cooling equipment, data center equipment, and lighting and water heaters, among others. For more information about ENERGY STAR appliances, see here

Proposed procurement goals: 
  • Assess all product categories purchased to determine those covered by ENERGY STAR
  • 100% of appliance purchases are ENERGY STAR certified
  • 100% of other relevant products are ENERGY STAR certified  
  • 100% of appliances are electric (not natural gas)
Public policy: 
Case studies and resources: 
  • Houston, TX: City Energy Efficiency Policy, states: “All equipment, appliances and computer purchases should be ENERGY STAR rated, when possible.” RPN
  • Cambridge, MA: Adopted an Energy Star Purchasing Policy requiring all new equipment purchased for City operations to be ENERGY STAR-certified or meet equivalent standards: “As the City replaces older equipment, new Energy Star equipment will reduce the energy load in City buildings.” RPN
  • Energy Star Portfolio Manager
  • EPA’s Benchmarking and Building Performance Standards Policy Toolkit: Aims to inform and support state and local government decision makers who are exploring adopting policies focused on reducing energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from existing commercial and multifamily buildings in their communities.
  • EPA Building Energy Benchmarking and Transparency: Overview for State and Local Decision Makers