The US Department of Energy (DOE)  and  US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which jointly adminster the program, anticipate that the installation of energy and water efficient dishwashers could save "American families more than $25 million in energy and water bills in the first six months" once the program kicks off in August 2009.

This is one of the many efforts by the DOE to reduce energy consumption across the nation and to make home and office appliances efficient; saving consumers money and saving the environment from pollutants.

Energy Star certified dishwashers will prevent the waste of one gallon of water (typically potable water unless a home or building is specifically piped for recycled water for non potable uses) per wash cycle.

This effort marks the first time Energy Star will measure and certify dishwashers for water consumption in addition to energy use. In regions like the western and southwestern US, where water can be scarce and rainfall is becoming increasingly sporadic with the impacts of climate change, every gallon saved is a gallon extra for drinking and cooking, not to mention less stress on the region’s water system.

The projected savings is for the initial phase of this effort, which will slowly raise efficiency standards over the course of two years. In the third year of this process, 2012, savings could reach 671 billion British thermal units (BTUs)  of energy and over 1 billion gallons of water each year.

This will be achieved by requiring dishwasher manufacturers to at the very least, produce dishwashers that are 48 percent more efficient than those available currently. In phase two, 2011, an additional 13.5 percent efficiency increase is mandated for a total of greater than 50 percent more efficient water and energy use overall.

To help with this challenge, which will more than likely require research and design dollars, Energy Star manufacturers are eligible for tax credits. Companies save money and make money, so it’s a win-win.

The Energy Star program was established in 1992 to reduce those air pollutant emissions associated with energy production and consumption. Energy Star certifies appliances, heating and cooling systems, electronics, lighting, and office equipment/electronics including refrigerators, air condition units, DVD players, lamps, and printers. They maintain a list of qualifying dishwashers that includes energy consumption ratings.

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