WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new specification for another commercial food service product - ice machines - that will earn the Energy Star label. According to the EPA, more efficient commercial kitchen equipment can save restaurants and food service facilities from 10 to 30 percent on commercial kitchen energy consumption.

“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.”

Restaurant and commercial kitchen owners and operators will be able to purchase Energy Star-qualified ice machines starting Jan. 1, 2008. Other Energy Star commercial food service products include fryers, steam cookers, hot food holding cabinets, and solid door reach-in refrigerators and freezers. EPA said these products can help improve the energy intensity of food service buildings, which consume roughly 2.5 times more energy per square foot than other commercial buildings.

To read the new specification for ice machines, go to www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_specs.ice_machines. For more information on Energy Star-qualified ice machines, visit www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=comm_ice_machines.pr_comm_ice_machines.

Publication date: 08/13/2007