The Energy Star Program

Our clients renovate their commercial kitchens for a variety of reasons.  Some renovate because the existing equipment is antiquated and rundown.  Many renovate because the design and existing equipment do not meet current needs.   Others renovate simply because they want to change the restaurant concept.

Commercial kitchen renovations can be complicated, and in the past, many clients focused on menu selection, design direction, budget and renovation schedule.   A growing number of clients are also now focusing on operating costs, energy and water consumption and the amount of waste generated.  The component of the renovation which has the largest impact on these concerns is the kitchen equipment selection.  Carefully selecting more efficient kitchen equipment will reduce water, gas, electrical and sewer consumption, which in turn can reduce operating costs.

The Energy Star program provides designers, operators and owners with the tools to select more efficient commercial kitchen equipment.  The Energy Star program is a partnership between the US Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency, which promotes energy efficient practices and products. The use of Energy Star products also allows for potential tax deductions for commercial buildings. More information about tax benefits can be found at: www.energystar.gov

To become Energy Star labeled, a manufacturer’s product must meet specific eligibility criteria and efficiency requirements as outlined by the Energy Star program. The Energy Star program currently labels qualified products for the following categories of commercial kitchen equipment:

• Ice Makers
• Dishwashers
• Refrigerators
• Freezers
• Steam Cookers
• Fryers
• Griddles
• Ovens
• Hot Food Cabinets

Not all products by a manufacturer who produces hot food cabinets, for example, meet Energy Star requirements. For instance, Hatco Corporation manufacturers a one door hot food cabinet model which is Energy Star labeled.  The same model with two doors, by Hatco Corporation, is not Energy Star labeled. (more…)