Status and future directions of the image program

In 1992 the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced image®, a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products, in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Since then, the EPA, now in partnership with the US Department of Energy (DOE), has expanded the program to cover nearly the entire buildings sector, spanning new homes, commercial buildings, residential heating and cooling equipment, major appliances, office equipment, commercial and residential lighting, and home electronics. This paper is based on our experience since 1993 in providing technical support to the image program. We provide a snapshot of the image program in the year 2000, including a general overview of the program, its accomplishments, and the possibilities for future development.