JetsonGreen - The EPA and Department of Energy announced the “Most Efficient” initiative for products recognized as the most energy-efficient in their categories among those that have received the Energy Star label. The Most Efficient designation will attach to about the top 5% of products in these categories: clothes washers, heating and cooling equipment, televisions, and refrigerator-freezers.
The program provides an incentive for manufacturers to improve their products. At the same time, it will inform consumers with a sort of best of the best certification to help compare various Energy Start models.
“The new Most Efficient designation is the next step towards encouraging new, more energy-efficient products to enter the market, so that consumers will have even more choices when it comes to high performance, high efficiency products that will save them energy and money,” according to Energy Secretary Steven Chu.
The EPA and DOE will consider adding additional product categories for inclusion in the program starting in 2012. Products that obtain the recognition must demonstrate energy performance that is “truly exceptional, inspirational, and leading edge.”