CEE’s ENERGY STAR® Board Committee was formed in 2005 to strengthen the partnership with the ENERGY STAR Program. The committee recognized the important role ENERGY STAR continues to play and challenged CEE members and the federal government to make responsible and full use of this important asset.
The committee has collaborated with ENERGY STAR on:
- maintenance of brand integrity
- increasing brand equity
- brand management
- joint water and energy opportunities
- promotion of “super efficiency”
- expansion for appropriate product areas
The ENERGY STAR Board Committee, which includes 14 Board members, continues to meet with ENERGY STAR representatives – in person and through conference calls – to discuss opportunities of mutual interest.
Much progress has already been made through this collaborative effort, including a report on brand integrity (Maintaining the Value of ENERGY STAR, see related story), an exploration of super-efficient ENERGY STAR product labeling (“Save More”) and a water- and energy-efficiency workshop.
“Save More”
A number of CEE members are interested in using the ENERGY STAR platform while also drawing additional attention to a subset of products that exceed ENERGY STAR’s minimum qualifying levels. These would be consistent with CEE performance tier levels.
Along with the promotion of ENERGY STAR levels, CEE often encourages the promotion of higher efficiency levels to generate greater savings, increase program effectiveness and/or accelerate introduction of “a next generation” of efficient products. Programs often link these higher efficiency levels with increased financial incentives.
During recent discussions with the CEE Board Committee, EPA agreed to explore the use of the differentiator “Save More.” As contemplated, products associated with “Save More” would meet the specifications of a designated CEE tier and represent the subset of “super-efficient” products. Financial incentives above those offered for less efficient products would be a condition for use of the term.
BC Hydro, Efficiency Vermont, Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Gas have volunteered to pilot “Save More” in retail settings for products where CEE specifications exist and incentives for a CEE tier above ENERGY STAR are offered.
These pilots will be used to determine whether “Save More” conveys the intended message without confusion and increases local program effectiveness. While these pilots are running, EPA will continue to work with CEE and its members to explore other marketing strategies to promote super efficiency.
Water and energy workshop
CEE is also working with EPA ENERGY STAR and EPA Office of Water to conduct a one-day workshop for CEE members and water utilities in April.
This workshop will identify potential program models for collaboration and examine new areas where energy program administrators and water agencies can work together to conserve both resources. The focus is to examine existing efficiency programs where both measures are promoted or an added water or energy conservation component can readily be attached without compromising the original savings goals.
Appliances, home energy and water audits, water- and energy-efficient new homes, commercial kitchens and commercial buildings are expected to be addressed.
Contact Program Manager John Taylor, CEE’s ENERGY STAR liaison, at 617-589-3949, ext. 228, for additional details.
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