The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing new Energy Star requirements for commercial refrigerators and freezers, which, on average, will be 33 percent more energy efficient than standard models. If all commercial refrigerators and freezers sold in the United States meet the new Energy Star specification, the energy savings would grow to $275 million per year and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those outputted from nearly 400,000 vehicles.

The requirements are effective Jan. 1, 2010, the same date that new federal standards take effect. This revised specification will provide consumers with a choice to continue to go beyond the federal standards with Energy Star, delivering energy efficient products with the performance they expect.

Under the new scope of products covered by the Energy Star commercial refrigerators and freezers specification are glass door refrigerators and freezers, typically found in convenience stores, supermarkets, and restaurants. Glass door models, as of April 1, 2009 can begin to qualify for Energy Star label. Purchasers of commercial glass door refrigerators and freezers can expect to save more than $800 per refrigerator and $2,500 per freezer over the expected 10-year life of the product.

For more information on Energy Star qualified commercial kitchen products, visit energystar.gov/cfs.