The future of Energy Star and other voluntary energy efficiency programs

E NERGY S TAR © is the largest, most successful, voluntary energy efficiency programme in the world. In order to remain effective, it must address both technical and administrative problems. Technical problems include reconciling programmes dealing with components and whole buildings; dealing with cross-fuel performance; and definitions and energy test procedures for new, complex products. Administrative problems include: deciding if Energy Star is a truly international programme and developing satisfactory exit strategies for programmes whose incremental savings no longer justify the investment of staff and resources.