WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has published the first energy efficiency standards for refrigerated beverage vending machines. Making the approximately 2.3 million vending machines in the United States more efficient is expected to save energy and money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The new standards, which take effect in 2012, apply to both glass-front and solid-front refrigerated beverage vending machines that are commonly found in office buildings, schools, colleges, retail sites, and manufacturing facilities. Over the following 30 years, DOE estimates these standards will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 9.6 million metric tons and will save commercial customers of the machines between $38 and $52 million per year over the same time period.

The final rule is available at DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Website at www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/commercial/beverage_machines.html.

Publication date: 09/07/2009