Green Properties 101: What Does Energy Star Mean?

For those relatively new to the “Green” movement and interested in learning more about what can be done to conserve energy and to slow down the detrimental effects of global warming, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is a great place to begin. Even for seasoned “Greenies”, the EPA provides a tremendous amount of tools and resources to help you make wise decisions as a consumer. In an effort to conserve energy, the government created the“Energy Star” program which is operated by the U.S. Dept of Energy and the EPA. The EPA bestows the “Energy Star” label to products that meet their strict energy saving specifications (click here for the full breakdown of how a product earns the Energy Star logo). This logo was created in an effort to make it easier for consumers to identify energy efficient products. It may cost more initially to buy items with the coveted Blue Star, but in the long run you will be saving money as well as energy. It really is worth it. If you see this label on any appliance or product that you’ve purchased, know that you are helping to saving the planet, one step at a time.

Per the EPA, by making better choices, “Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved enough energy in 2010 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 33 million cars — all while saving nearly $18 billion on their utility bills.”

Has your property management company considered using Energy Star products its apartment units and laundry rooms?