7 June 2005 Media Statement
Energy Star label to help energy savings
A new international mark denoting products with outstanding energy efficiency is being introduced into New Zealand from
July 2005, Energy Minister Trevor Mallard announced today.
"Consumers could save hundreds of dollars on their household power bills over time by choosing Energy Star products. For
large businesses, the savings could be in the thousands," Trevor Mallard said.
"Forty percent of a household’s energy is used on appliances including fridges, lighting and home electronics. Choosing
energy efficient products means you use less energy and enjoy lower power bills without compromising on lifestyle.
"The government has allocated a budget of $3.1 million over the next four years for the Energy Star programme, which
will be administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). "
The Energy Star label will only be awarded to products that achieve significant energy savings and is expected to cover
the top 25 percent of the market.
Energy Star is already established in several countries including the United States, Australia, Canada, the United
Kingdom, and the European Union. In 2004 it is estimated that the Energy Star programme saved the United States 485 PJ
in electricity usage, 4 percent of their total electricity usage.
Energy Star is a voluntary endorsement programme. Some New Zealand products already carry the Energy Star label but only
because they are imported here. Energy Star will be phased into the New Zealand market with new products being added
each year.
The first phase, from July 2005 until June 2006, will cover home electronics, domestic refrigeration appliances, and
office equipment.
The Energy Star label will complement EECA's existing products programme. This includes Minimum Energy Performance
Standards (MEPS), that regulate the energy performance of products, and energy labelling which provides information on
the energy efficiency of a product.
ENDS