History of EPA's Climate Partnership Programs
Background
Learn More:
Download The Power of Partnership for infographics, stories, and more examples of EPA's Climate Partnership Programs at work.
Timeline
1991: EPA launches the Green Lights program with 2 staff members and a budget of $1.4 million.
1992: EPA launches the ENERGY STAR program, which quickly introduces the first ENERGY STAR qualified computers and monitors. By 2020, more than 7 billion ENERGY STAR qualified products across more than 75 different categories have been purchased.
1993: EPA launches the Natural Gas STAR program to reduce methane emissions from the natural gas industry. By 2020, industry partners have eliminated more than 1.6 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of methane emissions.
1993: The National Climate Change Action Plan recognizes the importance of EPA’s climate partnerships with state and local governments, evolving into what became the State and Local Climate and Energy Program.
1994: EPA launches Climate Wise, a voluntary program that helps industrial companies document cost savings, productivity benefits, and emissions reductions as a result of investments in energy efficiency.
1994: EPA launches the Landfill Methane Outreach Program, encouraging the recovery and beneficial use of biogas generated from organic municipal solid waste. By 2019, partners have implemented nearly 700 landfill gas energy projects across the country.
1994: EPA launches the AgSTAR program to reduce methane emissions from livestock waste. By 2020, more than 270 anaerobic digesters are operating at commercial livestock farms in the United States
1994: EPA launches the Coalbed Methane Outreach Program, working with the coal mining industry to reduce methane emissions. By 2019, industry partners have reduced emissions by more than 210 million metric tons.
1995: Green Lights and ENERGY STAR merge to form the ENERGY STAR Program for Commercial Buildings, expanding to focus on whole-building energy efficiency.
1995: The ENERGY STAR program begins certifying energy-efficient new homes. By 2020, the number of ENERGY STAR certified new homes climbed to more than 2.2 million.
1996: EPA partners with the Department of Energy (DOE) to deliver the ENERGY STAR program, leveraging DOE investments in appliance and lighting technology development.
1996: Appliances become eligible for the ENERGY STAR label, drawing the attention of leading national retailers.
1997: The ENERGY STAR program begins certifying lighting, labeling products that are 75% more efficient than their incandescent counterparts. By 2019, Americans are purchasing more than 300 million ENERGY STAR certified LEDs every year, and the price has fallen to $1 per bulb in some stores.
1999: EPA introduces a first-of-its-kind 1 – 100 ENERGY STAR score for buildings, paving the way for comparisons between similar buildings and ENERGY STAR recognition for top performers. By 2020, nearly 38,000 commercial buildings have earned ENERGY STAR certification.
1999: EPA launches the Heat Island Reduction Program, working with local officials, community groups and researchers on heat island mitigation policies and projects.
1999: EPA launches the SF6 Reduction Partnership for Electric Power Systems, a collaborative effort between EPA and the electric power industry to reduce sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) emissions.
2000: Climate Wise and ENERGY STAR merge to form the ENERGY STAR Program for Industrial Plants. By 2020, 33 different industrial sectors work with ENERGY STAR to manage their energy use.
2000: First National Awareness Survey showed 40% of Americans recognize the ENERGY STAR label. By 2020, awareness grows to more than 90%.
2000: EPA introduces the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool, allowing building owners and managers to measure and track their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. By 2020, more than a quarter of all commercial floorspace has voluntarily benchmarked in Portfolio Manager.
2001: EPA launches the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) partnership, a knowledge base for impartial tools, policy information, and other resources to help companies understand and deploy CHP. By 2020, 350 organizations across all sectors have joined the program.
2001: EPA launches the Green Power Partnership, providing organizations with information about purchasing green power and recognition for those that do. By 2020, the program’s partners are responsible for 14% of all non-hydro renewable electricity generated in the United States.
2002: EPA begins working with companies to develop long-term comprehensive climate change strategies, offering an early standard for tracking and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By 2020, the Center for Corporate Climate Leadership serves as a knowledge base for all organizations, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies.
2004: EPA launches SmartWay, a voluntary green freight program, pioneering carbon accounting and emission reduction strategies for the freight trucking industry. By 2020, more than 3,700 companies spanning seven industry sectors participate in SmartWay.
2006: For the first time, EPA awards ENERGY STAR certification to 17 industrial plants whose energy performance ranks among the top 25% of similar plants nationwide. By 2020, more than 230 plants have earned this distinction.
2006: EPA launches the Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Program to collect old refrigerated appliances and prevent emissions harmful to the ozone layer and climate system. By 2020, Partners have responsibly disposed of over 9 million refrigerators and freezers.
2007: EPA offers a new SmartWay designation for new freight trucks and trailers that demonstrate superior energy efficiency. By 2020, every major class 8 truck and box trailer manufacturer offers one or more SmartWay-designated models.
2007: EPA launches the GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership, working with food retailers to reduce refrigerant emissions. By 2020, GreenChill partners account for more than 30% of U.S. super- markets.
2009: ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is selected by New York City as the platform to implement the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan, which requires large buildings to benchmark and disclose their energy performance. By 2020, three states and more than 30 local governments rely on Portfolio Manager as the foundation of their benchmarking and transparency policies.
2011: EPA offers a new “ENERGY STAR Most Efficient” recognition for products that deliver cutting-edge energy efficiency along with the latest in technological innovation. In 2020, more than 3,600 product models from more than 280 manufacturers were recognized as “ENERGY STAR Most Efficient.”
2015: SmartWay adds a new “SmartWay Designated Elite” level for highly efficient commercial truck trailers.
2016: EPA’s Natural Gas STAR program launches the Methane Challenge, recognizing companies that make specific and transparent commitments to reduce methane emissions from the natural gas industry.
2020: EPA launches ENERGY STAR Tenant Space, a new recognition program for commercial office tenants who meet strict energy design criteria.
2020: The lights at the top of the Empire State Building turn blue to celebrate more than 20 years of ENERGY STAR certified buildings and plants.