In California, buildings account for 24% of the state's total greenhouse gas emissions. A large portion of those emissions are products of energy consumption in homes and commercial facilities.1 Energy efficient appliances and energy conservation practices can cut annual energy use by 20-30% and conversely lower carbon dioxide emissions.

Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. It is a voluntary labeling system designed to identify and promote products that meet strict energy efficiency standards.

TYPES
Energy Star qualified products range across several categories:

Title 24 is California's Building Standards Code consisting of 12 parts that contain regulations governing the construction of buildings in California.1 Part 11, the California Green Building Standards Code was adopted in 2008.

Green building rating programs provide a framework for evaluating the environmental aspects of any building project.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

GreenPoint Rated is a third-party green building verification system developed by Build It Green.