The Father of ENERGY STAR Certified Home, Sam Rashkin, reflects on the proposed elimination of the program, pointing to the need for continued evolution.
Since its inception in 1992, ENERGY STAR has been instrumental in promoting energy efficiency, saving American families over $500 billion in utility bills and preventing 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
The program's recognizable blue label has guided consumers toward energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and building materials, fostering a market for sustainable products and practices.
For builders and developers, ENERGY STAR certification has been a valuable marketing tool, signaling a commitment to energy efficiency and quality construction. Manufacturers have leveraged the program to differentiate their products, while consumers have relied on it to make informed purchasing decisions that reduce energy costs and environmental impact.
The potential loss of this program raises concerns about increased energy consumption, higher utility bills, and a fragmented approach to energy efficiency standards.
However, Sam Rashkin, former Chief Architect at the Department of Energy and often referred to as the "Father of ENERGY STAR Certified Home," offers a nuanced perspective. In a recent interview, Rashkin acknowledged the program's success but suggested that many elements may have fulfilled their original mission.
"Many of us in the group that developed ENERGY STAR began with the intent to work ourselves out of a job," he states, referencing the program's initial goals of improving the efficiency of light bulbs, appliances, and other energy-consuming products.
Rashkin points out that government programs have a reputation for becoming bureaucratic and resistant to change, noting that as ENERGY STAR has stayed focused on energy efficiency, the opportunity to save more and more energy keeps shrinking.
“Consider that a home built to the latest IECC is equivalent to a zero-energy ready enclosure and that LED lighting and ENERGY STAR labeled appliances and equipment dominate consumer choices,” Rashkin says. “At some point there is an opportunity to declare victory as markets transform.”
"One of the challenges of our government is that it is slow to pivot and move on to the next horizon,” he says, emphasizing the opportunity to explore new avenues that build on ENERGY STAR's success in driving energy efficiency.
He also highlights the importance of maintaining a national metric for energy efficiency to prevent a patchwork of state and utility programs. Rashkin proposes that if the federal government steps back, an NGO or another entity could take over the program's labeling functions, ensuring continuity and innovation.
"What has always made the program special is the people and culture, but those people and that culture are under considerable threat, even if the program survives. There is already a significant amount of attrition—many of the people who have been running ENERGY STAR have left or will do so soon—and it is an extremely difficult climate to replace talent lost due to the uncertainties associated with federal employment moving forward," he observed, underscoring the need for fresh thinking and leadership in the energy efficiency space.
While the proposed elimination of ENERGY STAR is deeply concerning, Rashkin suggests that this could be an opportunity to reassess and build upon our approach to energy efficiency by incorporating more resilience and wellness considerations, metrics, and reporting at the highest levels.
“By embracing innovation and adapting to current challenges, we can continue to promote sustainable practices that benefit builders, manufacturers, consumers, and the environment,” he avows.
According to Rashkin, the potential cancellation of ENERGY STAR should not mark the end of energy efficiency initiatives but rather serve as a catalyst for their evolution: “As we navigate this transition, it's crucial to ensure that the principles of energy efficiency remain central to our national agenda, fostering a sustainable future for all.”
To learn more about Sam’s take on the future of ENERGY STAR, join our free Housing 2.0 webinar, Managing High-Performance Certification Uncertainty—What’s Changing, Why It Matters, and How to Prepareon Thursday, June 26, at 2:00 Eastern. In this timely session, Sam will explore what the proposed cancellation of ENERGY Start means for builders, manufacturers, and other stakeholders, as well as the future of high-performance certification in a post-ENERGY STAR world.
Want to learn more about zero carbon building? Enroll in Green Builder Media’s COGNITION Academy, which has robust courses on net zero carbon building, green building fundamentals, green product essentials and green building program like ENERGY STAR, Zero Energy Ready Homes, Indoor airPLUS, WaterSense, and HERS ratings.
And, be sure to check out the COGNITION Carbon Offsets Marketplace if you’re interested in purchasing carbon offsets to mitigate emissions from your products, projects or lifestyle.
As cofounder and CEO of Green Builder Media, Sara is a visionary thought leader and passionate advocate for sustainability. A former venture capitalist, she has participated in the life cycle (from funding to exit) of over 20 companies, with an emphasis on combining sustainability and profitability. She lives in Lake City, Colo., with her husband, where she is an avid long-distance runner, snowboarder, and Crossfit trainer. She is also on the Board of Directors at Dvele, runs the Rural Segment for Energize Colorado, and is a former County Commissioner.
A Different Take On ENERGY STAR Cancelation
The Father of ENERGY STAR Certified Home, Sam Rashkin, reflects on the proposed elimination of the program, pointing to the need for continued evolution.
The Trump administration's proposal to eliminate the ENERGY STAR program has sparked significant concern among builders, manufacturers, and consumers.
Since its inception in 1992, ENERGY STAR has been instrumental in promoting energy efficiency, saving American families over $500 billion in utility bills and preventing 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
The program's recognizable blue label has guided consumers toward energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and building materials, fostering a market for sustainable products and practices.
For builders and developers, ENERGY STAR certification has been a valuable marketing tool, signaling a commitment to energy efficiency and quality construction. Manufacturers have leveraged the program to differentiate their products, while consumers have relied on it to make informed purchasing decisions that reduce energy costs and environmental impact.
The potential loss of this program raises concerns about increased energy consumption, higher utility bills, and a fragmented approach to energy efficiency standards.
However, Sam Rashkin, former Chief Architect at the Department of Energy and often referred to as the "Father of ENERGY STAR Certified Home," offers a nuanced perspective. In a recent interview, Rashkin acknowledged the program's success but suggested that many elements may have fulfilled their original mission.
"Many of us in the group that developed ENERGY STAR began with the intent to work ourselves out of a job," he states, referencing the program's initial goals of improving the efficiency of light bulbs, appliances, and other energy-consuming products.
Rashkin points out that government programs have a reputation for becoming bureaucratic and resistant to change, noting that as ENERGY STAR has stayed focused on energy efficiency, the opportunity to save more and more energy keeps shrinking.
“Consider that a home built to the latest IECC is equivalent to a zero-energy ready enclosure and that LED lighting and ENERGY STAR labeled appliances and equipment dominate consumer choices,” Rashkin says. “At some point there is an opportunity to declare victory as markets transform.”
"One of the challenges of our government is that it is slow to pivot and move on to the next horizon,” he says, emphasizing the opportunity to explore new avenues that build on ENERGY STAR's success in driving energy efficiency.
He also highlights the importance of maintaining a national metric for energy efficiency to prevent a patchwork of state and utility programs. Rashkin proposes that if the federal government steps back, an NGO or another entity could take over the program's labeling functions, ensuring continuity and innovation.
"What has always made the program special is the people and culture, but those people and that culture are under considerable threat, even if the program survives. There is already a significant amount of attrition—many of the people who have been running ENERGY STAR have left or will do so soon—and it is an extremely difficult climate to replace talent lost due to the uncertainties associated with federal employment moving forward," he observed, underscoring the need for fresh thinking and leadership in the energy efficiency space.
While the proposed elimination of ENERGY STAR is deeply concerning, Rashkin suggests that this could be an opportunity to reassess and build upon our approach to energy efficiency by incorporating more resilience and wellness considerations, metrics, and reporting at the highest levels.
“By embracing innovation and adapting to current challenges, we can continue to promote sustainable practices that benefit builders, manufacturers, consumers, and the environment,” he avows.
According to Rashkin, the potential cancellation of ENERGY STAR should not mark the end of energy efficiency initiatives but rather serve as a catalyst for their evolution: “As we navigate this transition, it's crucial to ensure that the principles of energy efficiency remain central to our national agenda, fostering a sustainable future for all.”
To learn more about Sam’s take on the future of ENERGY STAR, join our free Housing 2.0 webinar, Managing High-Performance Certification Uncertainty—What’s Changing, Why It Matters, and How to Prepare on Thursday, June 26, at 2:00 Eastern. In this timely session, Sam will explore what the proposed cancellation of ENERGY Start means for builders, manufacturers, and other stakeholders, as well as the future of high-performance certification in a post-ENERGY STAR world.
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Want to learn more about zero carbon building? Enroll in Green Builder Media’s COGNITION Academy, which has robust courses on net zero carbon building, green building fundamentals, green product essentials and green building program like ENERGY STAR, Zero Energy Ready Homes, Indoor airPLUS, WaterSense, and HERS ratings.
And, be sure to check out the COGNITION Carbon Offsets Marketplace if you’re interested in purchasing carbon offsets to mitigate emissions from your products, projects or lifestyle.
By Sara Gutterman
As cofounder and CEO of Green Builder Media, Sara is a visionary thought leader and passionate advocate for sustainability. A former venture capitalist, she has participated in the life cycle (from funding to exit) of over 20 companies, with an emphasis on combining sustainability and profitability. She lives in Lake City, Colo., with her husband, where she is an avid long-distance runner, snowboarder, and Crossfit trainer. She is also on the Board of Directors at Dvele, runs the Rural Segment for Energize Colorado, and is a former County Commissioner.Also Read