Introduced in Canada in 2001, the ENERGY STAR symbol was first used in 1992 in the United States as an indicator of energy efficiency for computers and monitors. The program proved to be so popular that it was expanded to include other office equipment. Today, Canada promotes the symbol on almost 40 types of products, including:
Six types of major electrical appliances
Other product categories include:
- Consumer electronics such as TVs and DVDs
- Cooling Equipment (for the home)
- Heating Equipment (for the home)
- Lighting Products (fixtures, compact fluorescent lamps)
- Office Equipment
- Ventilating Equipment (for the home)
- Windows and Doors
The international ENERGY STAR symbol displayed alone or as part of the EnerGuide label, identifies major electrical appliances that meet or exceed technical specifications designed to ensure that they are among the most energy efficient in their class, without compromising performance.
ENERGY STAR is a voluntary (not regulatory) program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and is aimed at increasing market penetration.