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Sustainable Design

Energy Star

Energy Star began in 1992 as a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, initially focused on identifying energy-efficient computer monitors and printers. Over three decades, the program has expanded to cover more than 75 product categories including major appliances, lighting, HVAC equipment, electronics, windows, doors, and even entire buildings. Products earning the Energy Star label must meet strict energy efficiency specifications set by the EPA, typically performing 10 to 50 percent better than minimum federal standards while delivering the same features and functionality as conventional alternatives. For interior designers and homeowners, Energy Star serves as a reliable shorthand for identifying products that will reduce energy consumption without requiring specialized technical knowledge. In kitchen design, Energy Star refrigerators, dishwashers, and cooking appliances can collectively save hundreds of dollars annually in utility costs. In bathroom design, Energy Star ventilation fans operate more quietly and efficiently. For whole-home considerations, Energy Star certified windows, insulation, and HVAC systems form the backbone of an energy-efficient envelope. The program also offers the Energy Star Home certification for new residential construction that meets comprehensive performance requirements across heating, cooling, water heating, lighting, and appliances.

Key Characteristics

  • ✓Government-backed certification ensuring verified energy efficiency
  • ✓Covers over 75 product categories from appliances to buildings
  • ✓Products perform 10 to 50 percent better than minimum standards
  • ✓Provides simple identification through the recognizable blue label
  • ✓Updated specifications keep pace with advancing technology
  • ✓Delivers measurable utility cost savings over product lifetime

Types & Variations

Energy Star certified appliances and electronics
Energy Star qualified lighting fixtures and bulbs
Energy Star rated windows, doors, and skylights
Energy Star certified HVAC and water heating equipment
Energy Star Home and building certification

Common Materials

High-efficiency compressors and motorsLow-E coated glazingLED lighting componentsAdvanced insulation materialsVariable-speed drive systemsSmart thermostat technology

Works Well With These Styles

ModernContemporaryTransitionalScandinavianMinimalist

Placement & Usage Tips

When specifying appliances for a kitchen or laundry design, always start with Energy Star certified models as the baseline. Position HVAC equipment and water heaters in conditioned spaces where possible, as Energy Star heat pump water heaters can also provide supplemental dehumidification in basement or utility room installations.

💡 Pro Tip

Look beyond the Energy Star label to the actual energy consumption numbers on the EnergyGuide yellow label. Within the Energy Star certified category, there can be significant variation in efficiency. The Energy Star Most Efficient designation identifies the top performers within each category, and these products often qualify for utility rebates that offset their premium cost.

Related Terms

LEED Certification

A globally recognized green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council that evaluates environmental performance across categories including energy, water, materials, and indoor environmental quality.

Green Building

The practice of designing, constructing, and operating buildings to minimize environmental impact and maximize resource efficiency throughout the building's lifecycle.

Net-Zero Home

A residential building designed to produce as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year through a combination of extreme energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy generation.

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