Savings estimates for the ENERGY STAR (R) voluntary labeling program

ENERGY STAR(R) is a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and pro mote energy-efficient products. Operated jointly by the Environmental Prote ction Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE), ENERGY STAR label s exist for more than 20 products, spanning office equipment, residential h eating and cooling equipment, new homes, commercial and residential lightin g, home electronics, and major appliances. We present estimates of the ener gy, dollar and carbon savings already achieved by the program and provide s avings forecasts for several market penetration scenarios for the period 20 01-2010. The target market penetration forecast represents our best estimate of futu re ENERGY STAR savings. It is based on realistic market penetration goals f or each of the products. We also provide a forecast under the assumption of 100% market penetration; that is, we assume that all purchasers buy ENERGY STAR-compliant products instead of standard efficiency products throughout the analysis period. Finally, we assess the sensitivity of our target pene tration case forecasts to greater or lesser marketing success by EPA and DO E, lower-than-expected future energy prices, and higher or lower rates of c arbon emissions by electricity generators. Published by Elsevier Science Lt d.