ENERGY STAR8 at Home and Work Building Energy Use and Its Impact on the Environment Did you know that energy use in commercial and industrial buildings is responsible for about 45 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming? The good news is that the opportunity to reduce these emissions is significant, since as much as 30 percent of the energy consumed in commercial and industrial buildings is often wasted. Schools, hotels, hospitals, supermarkets, offices, and manufacturing facilities across the country are reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the energy efficiency of the buildings where we work, shop, play, and learn — and they need your help! Use Less, Save More, and Earn the ENERGY STAR Demand for environmentally friendly buildings is growing, and superior energy efficiency, identified by the ENERGY STAR, is a critical element of green building. Commercial and industrial buildings that earn the ENERGY STAR are the top performers for energy efficiency nationwide and use about 35 percentless energy than average buildings. Thousands of commercial and industrial buildings in all 50 states have earned the prestigious ENERGY STAR for superior energy performance. And you can help make your building one of them! Help your company reach its energy goals with a few simple tips: > Enable the monitor power management function on office computers, which automatically puts monitors to sleep when not in use. To enable this function, visit www.energystar.gov/enablepowermanagement. > Make sure that areas in front of vents are clear of furniture and paper. As much as 25 percent more energy is required to distribute air if your vents are blocked. > Turn off the lights in rooms that are not occupied, or where daylight is adequate. This can reduce lighting expenses by 10 to 40 percent. Also open or close blinds to make the best use of natural daylight. ENERGY STAR® is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. ------- ENERGY STAR8 at Home and Work Use Less, Save More, and Earn the ENERGY STAR (cont.) > Turn off printers, copiers, and fax machines when they are not in use. > Adjust thermostats to avoid energy use when your office is closed. > Swap out incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in your desk, task, and floor lamps. > To learn more ways you can save energy while at work, visit: www.energystar.gov/buildings. Use Less, Save More at Home You can do more at home to save energy and fight global warming with the following simple and easy tips: > Lookforthe ENERGY STAR on consumer electronics products. > Unplug cell phone battery chargers or power adapters when not in use, and turn off lights when leaving a room. > Install a programmable thermostat, which when properly programmed can save about $100 every year in energy costs. > Find and seal air leaks in your home to keep hot air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer. > Take the ENERGY STAR Change a Light Pledge atwww.energystar.gov/changealight, and replace your home's five most frequently used light fixtures or the bulbs in them with models that have earned the ENERGY STAR to save up to $65 each year in energy costs. > Choose appliances that have earned the ENERGY STAR, and you can save $80 a year in energy costs, while saving the environment. > Keep air registers and vents clear to allow air to flow freely throughout the room. > To find out more ways you can save energy at home, visit: www.energystar.gov/home. For more information www.energystar.gov or call 1.888.STAR.YES (1.888.782.7937). United States Environmental Protection Agency SEFA Office of Air and Radiation (6202J1EPA430-F-07-020 August 2007 ------- |