ENERGY STAR
Welcome to Virginia’s ENERGY STAR Page –
Our Resource for Energy-Efficient Products and Solutions
The Commonwealth is working to put the power to control energy and save money right where it should be – in your hands. We are all energy consumers and have the responsibility to exercise personal leadership by practicing conservation and efficiency on a daily basis.
Energy efficiency is the single most important issue today. It affects our natural gas and electricity prices and supplies, our transportation sector, the safety, security and reliability of our electric grid, the environment, and the economy—it affects everyone and everything.
The Commonwealth is working toward leading the way to a sustainable future for all Virginians. It is our hope that this site will serve as a valuable resource in helping all of us save energy, money, and the environment.
What is ENERGY STAR?
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) helping Americans to save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. ENERGY STAR is available in over 50 product categories and thousands of models, including home appliances, office equipment, commercial and industrial equipment and even new and existing homes and commercial buildings.
Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, have purchased over 1.2 billion ENERGY STAR qualified products, saving enough energy to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 23 million cars and saving $12 billion on utility bills. ENERGY STAR qualified products save you money!
For more information on ENERGY STAR Qualified Products and Programs, click any of the following links:
Residential K-12/Higher Education Commercial & Industrial
Home Improvement Local Government Small Bus & Congregations
New Homes
ENERGY STAR Partners in Virginia
For more information about ENERGY STAR, relevant activities, etc.
contact Division of Energy at 804-692-3234.
Residential
The typical household spends roughly $1,900 a year on energy bills. With ENERGY STAR, you can save up to 30% or more than $600 per year. Learn how you can save energy and money by looking at more than 50 ENERGY STAR qualified product categories and a variety of do-it yourself home improvement projects.
Where Does My Money Go?
Annual Energy Bill for a typical Single Family Home is approximately $1,900.
Breakdown of the 49% of Heating & Cooling Costs: % of overall energy used
The Commonwealth is in a position to impact the residential marketplace tremendously for high-efficient products such as ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators, room air conditioners, clothes washers, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), light fixtures, ceiling fans, windows, and heating and cooling equipment.
AppliancesThrough advanced technologies that use 10–50% less energy and water than standard models, ENERGY STAR qualified appliances can save consumers roughly $80 a year in energy costs. The money you save on your utility bills can more than make up for the cost of a more expensive, more efficient model.
ENERGY STAR qualified appliances include clothes washers, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and room air conditioners.
For taxable years beginning on and after January 1, 2007, an amount equal to 20% of the sum paid by an individual pursuant to Chapter 6 (§ 58.1-600 et seq.) of this title, not to exceed $500 in each taxable year, in purchasing for his own use the following items of tangible personal property:
- any clothes washers, room air conditioners, dishwashers, and standard size refrigerators that meet or exceed the applicable ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Energy (DOE)
Want to know how much your old refrigerator is costing you?! Check out ENERGY STAR’s new Refrigerator Retirement Savings Calculator
Lighting
ENERGY STAR qualified lighting provides bright, warm light and uses at least 2/3 less energy than standard lighting, generates 70 percent less heat, and lasts up to 10 times longer.
Take the ENERGY STAR Change a Light Pledge and check out what impact VA is having based on the number of pledges already taken!
Most of us would love to put CFLs in all of our light fixtures in an effort to save even more money. However, not all CFLs are compatible with all fixtures. It is important to understand that CFLs are best used in high traffic areas where lights are left on for long periods of time (e.g. kitchens, living rooms, outdoor fixtures). For more information on CFL applications, click here.
As always, proper disposal is important. Do not throw CFLs in the trash. Contact your local landfill to learn about proper disposal and recycling of CFLs. Fact Sheet on proper disposal - (PDF) .
ENERGY STAR qualified lighting include ceiling fans, CFLs, and light fixtures.
Check to see the impact VA is having by simply changing one light bulb to an ENERGY STAR.
What kind of difference can Virginians make? If every household (1,823,8331) in the Commonwealth of Virginia changed just ONE light bulb to an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, it would collectively save more than $103 million in energy costs, prevent the release of over 1.1 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions into our atmosphere over the life of the bulb2. Just imagine the difference we could make if we replaced all of the lights we use the most!
Heating & Cooling
As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills—and your comfort.
ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment include Boilers, Central AC, Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Programmable Thermostats, and Ventilating Fans.
Guide to Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling
Consumer Incentives: Home Heating and Cooling Equipment
Home Electronics and Office Equipment
The average home has roughly two TVs, a VCR, a DVD player and three telephones, accounting for roughly 40% of all electricity used to power these electronics. If all of your Home Electronics and Office Equipment were replaced with ENERGY STAR, it would save over 25 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent to taking over 3 million cars off the road.
Those that have earned the ENERGY STAR use as much as 50% less energy to perform these functions, while providing the same performance at the same price as less-efficient models.
Home Improvement
Making Your Home More Energy Efficient
Whether you are looking to make small or larger improvements to your home, ENERGY STAR offers tools and resources to help you plan and undertake projects to reduce your energy bills and improve home comfort. ENERGY STAR can guide you in making your home more energy efficiency — whether you do-it-yourself or hire a qualified professional.
If you own your home, you may be eligible for low-interest financing to make the energy efficiency improvements even more affordable. The cost of improvements may be paid for through energy savings!
Air Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR Home SealingKeep your home comfortable all year long by improving the energy efficiency of your home with proper insulation and air sealing measures. The goal of Home Sealing is to improve the home envelope to make homes more comfortable and energy efficient.
ENERGY STAR Home Sealing includes:
- Sealing air leaks to stop drafts,
- Adding insulation, and
- Choosing ENERGY STAR qualified windows when replacing windows.
DIY Guide to ENERGY STAR Home Sealing
ENERGY STAR @ Home Online Tool
Explore the ENERGY STAR @ home Interactive Tool for advice and energy-efficient home improvement ideas to help you stay comfortable in your home
Consumer Incentives: Home Shell (Existing Homes): Insulation, Windows, Air and Duct Sealing
New Homes: Building an ENERGY STAR Qualified Home
If you are looking for a new home, look for one that has earned the ENERGY STAR. Just one ENERGY STAR qualified new home can keep 4,500 pounds of greenhouse gases out of Virginia’s air each year. To date, over 1,700 ENERGY STAR homes have been built in Virginia, taking housing to the next level!
A Professional Builder survey conducted in 2001 show what consumers want:
- 91% want energy efficiency
- 61% want ENERGY STAR products
- 80% say that current construction does not meet their interest in sustaining the environment
- 96% are willing to pay more for “green” features
What are ENERGY STAR New Homes?
ENERGY STAR qualified new homes meet EPA's strict guidelines for energy efficiency, indicating to consumers that these energy-efficient homes are more comfortable, more durable, cost less to own, and are good for the environment. ENERGY STAR certification also increases a home's value.
To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must:
- Be at least 30% more energy-efficient in its heating, cooling and water heating than a comparable home built to the 1993 Model Energy Code (MEC);
- Be 15% more efficient than the state energy code;
- Verified, either by an independent third-party or by adhering to the quality control procedures established for HUD-code manufactured homes.
Does an ENERGY STAR home cost more?
An ENERGY STAR home actually costs less because of the dramatic decrease in monthly utility bills. These energy savings can more than offset any increase in mortgage payments needed for the improved energy features, which can result in a positive monthly cash flow. Through better construction and the use of energy-efficient features, ENERGY STAR homes offer lower operating costs (mortgage + utility bills) than typical homes of the same, or even lower, purchase price.
Features of ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes:
- Effective Insulation - Properly installed insulation that meets or exceeds national code requirements helps achieve even temperatures throughout the house while using less energy. The result is lower utility costs and a quieter, more comfortable home.
- High-Performance Windows - Advanced window coatings help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. They also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furniture.
- Tight Construction and Tight Ducts - Sealing all holes, cracks, and seams in ducts and construction assemblies helps eliminate drafts, moisture, dust, pests, and pollen. This improves comfort and the quality of indoor air, while lowering maintenance costs.
- Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment - More efficient and properly sized heating and cooling systems use less energy, which reduces utility bills. These systems also turn on and off less frequently, providing better comfort.
These features contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution. ENERGY STAR also encourages the use of energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as features designed to improve indoor air quality.
- VA Uniform Statewide Building Code
- National Association of Home Builders
- Home Builders of Virginia
- Virginia Sustainable Buildings Network
Builders and Manufacturers Tax Incentives: New Homes
Other:
ENERGY STAR Projects at Virginia’s Military Bases
The Commonwealth is home to a number of military bases (Dahlgren, Fort AP Hill, Fort Belvoir, Fort Eustice, Fort Lee, Marine Corps Base Quantico, and Norfolk) that house thousands of personnel. With the pending military base realignment and closures (BRAC) looming, additional housing will be needed to accommodate the relocation for many military personnel in our region.
The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations & Environment is currently managing the Residential Communities Initiative (RCI), and has recognized that over 70% of housing stock is in need of replacement or major renovation. Under the RCI Program, the Army plans to privatize family housing at 45 installations, to include over 86,300 family housing units located throughout the United States.
Through the reconstructing of new houses, The Department of Army has mandated that every home meet the ENERGY STAR Specification for New Homes. To date, over 500 ENERGY STAR homes have been built at Quantico and Ft. Belvoir respectively.
- Fort Belvoir (2003 – 2010) – A seven-year project that will result in the construction of 2,890 homes (1,892 replacements and 998 new) and the renovation of 170 historic homes.
- Fort Eustice (2003 – 2008) – A five year project that will result in the construction of 1,155 new replacements homes, the revitalization of 23 homes and the renovation of 15 historic homes.
- Fort Lee (2007- ) – A Community Development and Management Plan is currently under development that will identify and outline the scope of the project.
- Marine Corps Base Quantico (2003 – 2008) - The planned development will demolish 1,137 homes, build approximately 993 new homes, and renovate 144 historically significant structures that will encompass nine new neighborhoods for members of the Marine Corps.
Current ENERGY STAR Home Projects in VA
See what area builders are doing to the VA housing market.
Leading The Way! - Virginia is among six states having the most ENERGY STAR-qualified buildings! Its 225 ENERGY STAR-qualified buildings represent over 17 million square feet, saving an estimated $18.9 million a year in energy bills, while preventing 608 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions - equivalent to the emissions from over 55,000 vehicles.
Through the ENERGY STAR program, many organizations have adopted effective energy management strategies and built successful energy programs that have had significant results. ENERGY STAR offers a proven energy management strategy that helps to measure current energy performance, sets goals, tracks savings, and rewards improvements. Key energy investment strategies for commercial buildings can:
- Increase the efficiency of technology and equipment.
- Improve the design and efficiency of the overall building system.
- Introduce energy management and controls.
- Introduce efficiencies in building maintenance.
Energy Guidelines for Business Sectors
- Energy Savings for Commercial Real Estate
- Energy Savings for Corporate Real Estate
- Energy Savings for Restaurants
- Energy Savings for Small Businesses
- Energy Savings for Congregations
Tools and Resources
A broad range of tools and resources to help you implement a successful energy management strategy.
Building Upgrade Manual - a strategic guide to help you plan and implement profitable energy saving building upgrades.
Product Purchasing and Procurement
Communications Kit - share your successes with your employees, customers and stakeholders!
Additional benefits are also being offered through the Federal Energy Policy (EPAct) 2005 Incentives.ENERGY STAR Partner List – Check out area partners in Virginia
Government
Government agencies spend over $10 billion a year on energy to provide public services and meet constituent needs — while grappling with tightening budgets. Yet nearly one-third of the energy used to run typical government buildings goes to waste. ENERGY STAR brings your government agency a proven energy management strategy to save energy and money while demonstrating your environmental leadership.
Wise use of taxpayer dollars and efficiency and economy in government demands that state agencies are prudent in their use of energy. It is critical that the Commonwealth consume energy in the most efficient manner possible to save taxpayer money and provide leadership to all Virginians in using our natural resources wisely.
Learn how local government agencies are taking advantage of ENERGY STAR:
Arlington County
Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions (AIRE)
Fairfax County
Fauquier County
Henrico County
Prince William County
York County
Related Links
Purchasing and ProcurementInternational City/County Management Association (ICMA)
National Association of Counties (NACO)
Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN)
International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI)
U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement
Purchasing efficient products reduces energy costs without compromising quality. Successful energy management programs adopt a procurement policy as a key element for their overall strategy. Instituting an effective policy can be as easy as asking procurement officials to specify ENERGY STAR qualified products, such as office equipment, in their contracts or purchase orders.
K-12/Higher Education
Did you know?
- U.S. School Districts spend more than $6 billion each year on energy, second only to salaries;
- The least efficient schools use three times more energy than the best energy performers; and
- Top performing ENERGY STAR Schools cost forty cents per square foot less to operate than the average performers.
Check out how School Districts in the Commonwealth are taking advantage of ENERGY STAR:
Alexandria City Public Schools
City of Chesapeake Public Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools
Norfolk Public Schools
Roanoke County Public Schools
York County Public Schools
Higher Education
Colleges and universities spend close to $2 billion each year on energy. Adopting a strategic approach to energy management can lower your energy bills by 30 percent or more. ENERGY STAR provides an energy management strategy to save money for repair and renovation, new construction, and other core energy-related activities.
The following Colleges and Universities in the Commonwealth are taking advantage of ENERGY STAR.
Earn Tax Credits While Cutting Your Energy BillsNorfolk State University
Virginia Community College System
Radford University
St. Paul’s College
University of Virginia
Becoming energy efficient can help you cut your energy bills, but did you know you might be eligible to receive income tax credits too?
Energy Tax Incentives
ENERGY STAR
Virginia taxable income credits for residents (VA Tax Code 58.1-322. Sec. D.12)
News
VA CAL Participation
VA Energy Plan
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