Energy Efficiency

The Energy Star Program, a partnership including EPA, the Department of Energy, and over 8,000 private and public sector organizations, provides extensive technical information and other resources promoting energy efficiency.

In particular, the Energy Star for Healthcare pages offer an extensive collection of information specific to the health care sector.

The following information is excerpted from the EPA Sector Notebook Profile of the Healthcare Industry

“In 1991, EPA introduced Green Lights, a program designed for businesses and organizations to proactively combat pollution by installing energy efficient lighting technologies in their commercial and industrial buildings. In April 1995, Green Lights expanded into Energy Star Buildings—a strategy that optimizes whole-building energy-efficiency opportunities. The energy needed to run commercial and industrial buildings in the United States produces 19 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions,

12 percent of nitrogen oxides, and 25 percent of sulfur dioxide, at a cost of $110 billion a year. If implemented in every U.S. commercial and industrial building, the Energy Star Buildings upgrade approach could prevent up to 35 percent of the emissions associated with these buildings and cut the nation’s energy bill by up to $25 billion annually.

“The more than 7,000 participants include corporations, small businesses, universities, healthcare facilities, nonprofit organizations, school districts, and federal and local governments. Energy Star has successfully delivered energy and cost savings across the country, saving businesses, organizations, and consumers more than $7 billion a year. Over the past decade, Energy Star has been a driving force behind the more widespread use of such technological innovations as LED traffic lights, efficient fluorescent lighting, power management systems for office equipment, and low standby energy use. For more information, contact the Energy Star Hotline, 888-STAR-YES (888-782-7937) or the website, http://www.energystar.gov/healthcare.”