Energy Star

ENERGY STAR® is an independent, international endorsement mark used by industry/retail partners to promote the most energy efficient products on the market. The ENERGY STAR concept was developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1992. ENERGY STAR was launched in New Zealand in 2005, and by 2015 coverage had been extended to twenty product categories, including white ware, windows, home electronics, office equipment, air conditioners (heat pumps), solar water heating, and some types of lighting. The scheme was used in New Zealand alongside minimum energy performance standards and energy rating labels (see separate entries) to achieve reductions in energy intensity, energy demand and energy-related GHG emissions as well as generating savings for the end user through stimulating the uptake of, demand for, and marketability of high efficiency products. ENERGY STAR qualified heat pumps (air conditioners) were the only products specified for use under the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart insulation and clean heating programme. In 2016, following a review of all its programmes, EECA, as part of tightening its strategic focus, retired the ENERGY STAR label. The ENERGY STAR label gave consumers a guide to appliances with superior energy efficiency. Reviews showed that consumers prefer using the Energy Rating Label which lets consumers compare the running cost of appliances. Regulation now covers 24 products and appliances compared to 12 in 2005.

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