County, city and state officially declare August Energy Star month

August has been officially declared Energy Star month in proclamations issued by the Clark County Commission, the city of North Las Vegas and Governor Jim Gibbons on behalf of the state of Nevada.

According to Annette Bubak, chairperson of the 2008 Nevada Energy Star Partners campaign and a founding member of the partnership, Nevada Energy Star Partners has worked for more than eight years to heighten awareness of Energy Star products and services as a way to conserve energy, save on utility bills and preserve natural resources in southern Nevada.

The partnership's current campaign, now in its second month, is funded by contributions from partners and is designed to promote Energy Star brand awareness and energy conservation as an important first step for individuals and corporations committed to going green.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides guidelines that energy conservation, because of the demand it places on our resources, should constitute approximately 40 percent of any multi-resources conservation initiative, Hence, the campaign's 2008 theme: "Energy Star -- Your Green Foundation."

According to Bubak, the number of Energy Star homes in southern Nevada has grown from fewer than 100 in 1998 to more than 76,600 in 2007.

"The environmental benefits of these 76,600-plus homes is the equivalent of eliminating emissions from more than 37,00 vehicles, saving more than 227 million pounds of coal, planting more than 62,000 trees or saving more than 445 million pounds of carbon monoxide each year," Bubak said.

"Thanks to the commitment of many companies, builders and public utilities in southern Nevada, Energy Star has become a household word over the last decade. Consumer awareness of Energy Star is more than 90 percent and more than 67 percent of all new homes are built to meet or exceed Energy Star standards."

According to Bubak, Energy Star builders are helping to minimize the impact of new development on the environment while helping homeowners to save money on utility bills.

"The campaign also educates consumers on the latest technology in energy efficiency home building and encourages home buyers to make knowledgeable and wise buying decisions when shopping for homes and other products," Bubak said.

Energy Star, the national U.S. government symbol for energy efficiency, was created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) originally for energy-conserving computers in 1992 and is now jointly implemented with the U.S. Department of Energy. Since its origin, the program has been expanded to include over 40 product categories that conserve energy and protect the environment -- from appliances, electronics, lighting, windows and office products -- to homes and even mortgages. Energy Star products use less energy which reduces consumption of fossil fuels and resulting air pollution.

Now in its eighth year, Nevada Energy Star includes partners representing utility companies, builders and developers, and manufacturers of energy-saving products. The partnership was recently recognized in April 2008 by the EPA at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. with its most distinguished award, Sustained Excellence.

Nevada Energy Star Partners encourages consumers and businesses to share how they are making a difference. To submit your story or for more information, visit thinkenergystar.com.