EPA recently announced new specifications for ice machines, which will earn the Energy Star label, started by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. More efficient commercial kitchen equipment can save restaurants and food service facilities from 10 to 30 percent on commercial kitchen energy consumption, reveals the organization’s press release.

The specifications cover several types of machines, requiring them to meet maximum energy and water efficiency savings. Other Energy Star commercial food service products include solid door reach-in refrigerators and freezers. Restaurant and commercial kitchen owners and operators will be able to purchase Energy Star qualified commercial ice makers starting January1st, 2008. Over the next five years, these new Energy Star products are expected to save restaurants $100 million in reduced energy and water costs. These products will help improve the energy intensity of food service buildings, which consume roughly 2.5 times more energy per square foot than other commercial buildings.

Energy efficiency is a top priority among restaurant owners and operators," said Bob Meyers, EPA's principal deputy assistant administrator for Air and Radiation. "We are pleased to deliver more options to save on energy costs and help protect the environment through new commercial food service products earning the Energy Star."