Page 15 - USGBC Louisiana 2017 Green Report Online
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Energy Efficiency
ENERGY STAR Tracking and comparing energy use or benchmarking, is
an easy tool used to recognize opportunities for energy
One of the most recognizable consumer labels for home savings. ENERGY STAR’s Portfolio Manager is a free,
purchases is ENERGY STAR, a U.S. Environmental online tool that is widely used to recognize and improve
Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary program that helps energy performance.
businesses and individuals save money and protect our
environment through superior energy efficiency. Energy use data continues to be elusive in Louisiana. The
state has no policy in place that requires utilities to release
The ENERGY STAR program was established by EPA in energy use data to customers or third parties.
1992, under the authority of the Clean Air Act Section
103(g). Section103(g) of the Clean Air Act directs the Utility Based Energy Incentives
Administrator to "conduct a basic engineering research and
technology program to develop, evaluate, and demonstrate Entergy New Orleans, which is regulated by the City of
non–regulatory strategies and technologies for reducing air New Orleans, has been offering a portfolio of energy
pollution." With the Department of Energy, the efficiency programs called Energy Smart since 2011.
Environmental Protection Agency developed a program to
identify and promote energy–efficient products and Under request of the Public Service Commission, which
buildings in order to reduce energy consumption, improve regulates all other investor-owned utilities, SWEPCO,
energy security, and reduce pollution through voluntary Cleco, and Entergy Louisiana/Gulf States began offering
labeling of or other forms of communication about products energy efficiency programs for electricity customers in
and buildings that meet the highest energy efficiency 2014.
standards. (EPA)
Regulations
Now in its 23rd year, the ENERGY STAR program has
boosted the adoption of energy efficient products, Some energy efficiency regulations have been established
practices, and services through valuable partnerships, but enforcement is not consistent. One example is Senate
objective measurement tools, and consumer education. Bill 240 (2007) which requires construction or renovation of
major state-funded facilities to be designed and built to
Homes and commercial facilities can benchmark or track exceed state energy codes by at least 30%, subject to a
their energy usage and become ENERGY STAR certified. life-cycle cost analysis.
There are 115 Energy Star Certified plants and
buildings representing 26.32 million Sq. Ft. of ENERGY
STAR® Labeled Space in Louisiana.
