ENERGY STAR
From Foam Roofing and Solar Power Wiki
ENERGY STAR®
(1) A registered trademark of the U.S. government. The ENERGY STAR® Program* represents a voluntary partnership between businesses and organizations and the federal government to promote energy efficiency and environmental activities. ENERGY STAR® labeled roof products are reflective and lower roof surface temperature by up to 100°F., decreasing the amount of heat transferred into a building. ENERGY STAR® labeled roof products are designed to help save money on utility bills and reduce energy waste. Ninety percent of the energy in the United States is generated by burning fossil fuels, which creates the air pollution associated with smog, acid rain, and global climate change. By reducing the amount of energy needed to cool buildings, ENERGY STAR® labeled roof products help to reduce the production of these air pollutants. Additionally, reflective roof products can help reduce the "heat island effect," a phenomenon in which cities can be 2 to 8°F. warmer than the surrounding countryside. Such heat islands occur, in large part, because many buildings and paved surfaces are designed with dark materials that absorb heat from the sun. This heat is released at night, causing the air temperature to remain high. The resulting elevated temperature leads to an increased demand for air conditioning in buildings, increased fuel use for vehicle air conditioning, increased levels of smog, and associated increased levels of heat-related and smog-related health problems. Installing reflective roofs helps reduce the heat island effect, decreasing the amount of smog in the air and benefiting the entire community.
(2) ENERGY STAR qualified windows are independently certified to meet or exceed strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy. By installing Energy Star eligible windows, you may receive a tax credit of 10% of the cost up to $200. Please see www.energystar.gov for details.