The business community is joining with state and federal government agencies in a new campaign to encourage consumer interest in energy-efficient home appliances and lighting products.
New York Energy $mart, a two-year campaign that began in August, is being coordinated by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy, utilities, manufacturers, and retailers.
The goal is to increase consumers' demand for energy-efficient products, according to William R. Howell, chairman of NYSERDA.
The campaign focuses on EPA's EnergyStar label, a symbol for energy efficiency. Products with this label meet stringent efficiency criteria set by federal agencies, and include refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, room air conditioners, TVs, VCRs, computers, and compact fluorescent lights.
"Products with the EnergyStar label can cut consumers' energy costs by as much as 30 percent while benefitting the environment," Howell said. "Additionally, EnergyStar products offer all the features of regular products, but use cutting-edge technology to run more efficiently."
Several retailers have already agreed to participate by educating staff about the program and ensuring that products that earn the label are easily available and identifiable to consumers. Retailers also will be able to participate in special events and promotions surrounding the project and will be encouraged to take advantage of co-op advertising for their stores.
An advertising campaign promoting the effort through television, radio, newspaper, outdoor billboards, buses, and mall kiosks has already begun in Buffalo and Albany, and will expand to Syracuse and Binghamton later this fall, Howell said.
The EnergyStar program will also be featured at special events throughout the state, including the New York State Fair, sporting events, and home and remodeling shows. A public relations campaign to promote the program is also being mounted.
To learn how your company can become involved in this campaign, or to receive information about EnergyStar products, call 1-888-STAR-YES, or visit http://www.energystar.gov.