In 2005, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 12 voluntary climate protection programs prevented 63 million metric tons of carbon equivalent emissions - up from 57 million in 2004, according to a report released this week.

Highlights of the report, "Energy Star and Other Climate Protection Partnerships 2005 Annual Report" include savings from the government's Energy Star program.

Americans, with the help of Energy Star, avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 23 million automobiles in 2005 – up from 20 million in 2004 – while saving about $12 billion on their energy bills. Americans also saved a significant amount of energy in 2005 – 150 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) – or about 4 percent of the total 2005 electricity demand.

Other voluntary climate protection programs included in the report are the Climate Leaders Program, the Green Power Partnership, Methane Programs and initiatives that develop clean energy solutions and minimize emissions of other non-carbon dioxide gases. The report details the environmental and economic accomplishments of these programs and outlines goals for 2006 and beyond.

For a copy of the report and more information, visit the voluntary climate protection programs webpage or call the Energy Star Hotline at 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937)

Link: EPA – Climate Leaders

10/27/2006