The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the ENERGY STAR program in 1992, at a time when both business leaders and environmentalists recognized that economic growth and environmental protection can—and must—go hand-in-hand. It was an innovative idea at the time, but within a year, the success of this new program proved that if the government empowered businesses to protect the environment at a profit, it would find a powerful partner in the fight against climate change.Since then, EPA’s ENERGY STAR program has grown to encompass tens of thousands of organizations, utilities, and state and local governments who have partnered with the government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With their help, EPA works to identify and dismantle the unique market barriers that prevent progress, and to provide the information and stability that private markets need to thrive. The environmental impacts are staggering, and a testament to the power of partnership: The avoidance of billion...
