Energy Saving News
US Sets New Energy Efficiency Standards
US Energy Secretary, Steven Chu, confirmed yesterday that his department has issued new energy efficiency standards, in response to the US President, Barack Obama's request at the beginning of the year.
This initiative follows Europe’s lead in setting stringent energy efficiency targets for manufacturers, aiming to reduce the EU's CO2 emissions by -20% below 1990 levels by 2020, and offering a further -10% reduction should other countries show similar initiative and efforts.
As Council Member of the Energy Saving Association (ESA), Mr. Ian Wrigley expressed his enthusiasm: "Under Obama's administration, the US has made incredible progress in engaging action to fight climate change by reducing harmful emissions. Saving energy not only achieves this goal, but it also gives consumers the opportunity to save considerable amounts of money."
As one of his first actions upon taking office, president Obama called on the Department of Energy (DOE) to fast track the introduction of energy efficiency standards for a range of electrical equipment.
This week, DOE officially published the final 'ENERGY STAR' standard (for vending machines) as first of the 5 standards outlined by Obama.
"These energy efficiency appliance standards will play an important role in lowering energy use in homes and businesses across the country," said Mr. Chu.
The 5 standards will apply to dishwashers, ovens, commercial boilers, air conditioners and energy efficient lighting, as well beverage vending machines.
In total, this could add up to savings of 1.1 billion metric tons of CO2 when they come into effect in 2012.
Other recent standards improved included television sets, which now have to be 40% more energy efficient than the average model currently is.
Friday 22nd January 2010
