The Green Power Blog

Both Green-e and Energy Star are certification organizations that help consumers know they are choosing to purchase an environmentally preferable product. Both specifically help consumers recognize products that are better for the climate because they are associated with lower carbon dioxide emissions. Choosing Green-e or Energy Star products is a positive action for consumers who are concerned about climate change. However, the two programs are not the same.

Green-e is an independent certification organization that helps protect consumers and their choice to patronize companies opt for green power. Companies that purchase a certain amount of green power to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions can use the Green-e logo to signify their environmental commitment to their customers.

Any kind of business can purchase green energy and earn Green-e certification. AVEDA personal care products, Choice Organic Teas, Grays Harbor Paper, and S.C. Johnson are just a few of the green businesses that demonstrate their commitment to sustainability through their choice to purchase renewable energy. These green power purchases are verified by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions.

Energy Star, on the other hand, is a certification of energy efficiency that is backed by the U.S. government. The EPA sets guidelines for which products can be labeled as energy efficient products. More efficient products such as refrigerators or washing machines will offer the same performance demanded by consumers while using less energy than comparable products, and thus producing less carbon dioxide pollution. Energy Star certification is most commonly found on appliances, computers, and the like, although the energy efficiency of building products, heating and cooling systems, plumbing systems, and lighting is also verified by the EPA.

Photo via d_true