EPA Helps Advance Efficiency and Reduce Emissions of Homes and Buildings in the U.S.

The EPA announces its new commitments and initiatives for clean energy.

• By Shereen Hashem
• Jun 15, 2021

The EPA announced advancements in the ENERGY STAR program that will help set the stage for an economy-wide transition to the types of technology that is critical against climate change. The agency is working towards achieving President Joe Biden’s goal of reducing emissions by more than 50 percent by 2030. EPA’s climate partnerships are showcasing the ability of EPA’s climate partnerships for clean energy and reducing the use of fossil fuels. This will increase energy efficiency and create more jobs.

“With today’s updated ENERGY STAR standards, EPA is leading the way in advancing technologies that will revolutionize the way we use energy as a country, as we work to achieve President Biden’s goal of a net-zero economy by 2050,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “From innovative heat pump technology, to the advancement of electric vehicle charging, to inclusive financing for ENERGY STAR upgrades, today’s announcements will catalyze efforts to make high-performing, energy efficient technology available to every household in America.”

According to an article, EPA updated ENERGY STAR standards for residential water heaters and heating/cooling equipment that advance innovative heat pump technology. This will be used as a key component to reduce carbon pollution and reduce energy and heating costs. It’s estimated that if all central air conditioners, heat pumps and electric water heaters were sold in the U.S. met the new ENERGY STAR standards, savings would increase to $11 billion a year. It would also avoid 255 billion pounds of greenhouse gases per year, which equals one third of all direct greenhouse gas emissions from homes and apartments in the U.S. in 2019.

The new standards for heat pumps have more efficient requirements and a cold climate designation that will help consumers and contractors find equipment for low outside temperatures. The new standards also address issues for all climates associated with equipment installation and maintenance. These are issues that can undermine energy savings as well as comfort. The ENERGY STAR also covers electrical vehicle (EV) charges used in commercial settings, or DC fast chargers. This is one example of what the company is using to reduce carbon pollution.

According to an article, as part of this effort to upgrade the country’s commercial buildings and use of electric vehicle charging stations. The EPA announces new commitments:

• Develop a new ENERGY STAR program offering to accelerate energy efficiency and electrification retrofits in existing homes.

• Advance the ENERGY STAR Recognition Program for Residential New Construction.

• Advance public health protections through residential labeling programs for indoor air quality.

• Support development of building benchmarking policies and building performance standards.

• Launch EPA Zero-Carbon Building Recognition.

• Launch a New Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator Tool for Commercial Buildings.

• Provide technical assistance to state, local and tribal governments.

Learn more about ENERGY STAR here.