Built to Last: What “Sustainable Appliances” Actually Mean

Not all energy-efficient appliances are created equal. Here’s how to spot the real deal.

We’ve all heard the buzzwords: eco-friendly, energy efficient, green. But when it comes to the machines running our homes — the dishwashers, fridges, washers, and stoves we use every day — what does sustainable actually mean?

It’s not just about plugging in a shiny new “Energy Star” model and calling it a day. True sustainability is more than a sticker — it’s about what an appliance is made from, how long it lasts, how efficiently it runs, and even how you use it.

Let’s break down what these terms really mean, why the definitions vary, and how to tell the difference between a genuinely sustainable appliance and one that just looks the part.

What “Sustainability” Really Means

Sustainability is one of those words that means something a little different depending on who’s talking. To a manufacturer, it might refer to design — using recycled materials, cleaner production processes, or components that can be repaired and reused. To consumers, it often means an appliance that lasts longer, uses fewer resources, and doesn’t end up in a landfill five years later.

At its core, sustainability is about minimizing harm across an appliance’s entire lifecycle — from how it’s built, to how it operates, to what happens when it’s finally retired.

Appliances like those made by Beko, for example, are partially constructed from recycled plastic, while brands such as Asko have factories certified under ISO 14001 environmental management standards. These efforts don’t just look good on paper; they’re part of a broader push to make each step in manufacturing less wasteful and more circular.

But the truth is, “sustainability” isn’t one-size-fits-all. A refrigerator that’s sustainable for a large family might not make sense for a single person. The most sustainable appliance is the one that meets your needs, runs efficiently, and lasts — because replacing things too often is one of the least sustainable habits of all.

Energy Efficiency: Who Defines It and Why It Matters

Energy efficiency is the measurable side of sustainability — and unlike “eco-friendly,” it does have an official definition. In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) set the standards that determine whether a product earns that familiar Energy Star label.

To qualify, an appliance must perform as well as (or better than) standard models while using less energy or water. For example, Energy Star dishwashers use about 12% less energy and 30% less water, and certified refrigerators use around 9% less energy than conventional units.

In Europe, similar regulations fall under the ERP Directive (Energy-Related Products), which requires manufacturers to design appliances for efficiency and reduced emissions. The European Union also uses standardized energy labels — rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) — so consumers can make direct comparisons.

That said, contradictions do exist. Some products may technically meet energy-efficiency standards while still relying on harmful materials or having short lifespans. Efficiency alone isn’t the whole picture — an appliance that uses less energy but breaks after five years is far less “green” than one that lasts for fifteen.

Third-Party Certifications: Who’s Who and Why They Matter

If you’re looking to separate marketing claims from measurable impact, third-party certifications are your best friends. They’re not all created equal, but each plays a role in identifying what’s genuinely sustainable.

• Energy Star (EPA, U.S.): The most recognizable label in North America, Energy Star certifies appliances that meet or exceed government standards for energy efficiency. Established in 1992, it’s helped households save billions in energy costs and significantly reduce emissions.
  
  
  

• WaterSense (EPA, U.S.): Focused on water efficiency, WaterSense products use at least 20% less water than comparable models without sacrificing performance — think low-flow faucets, efficient dishwashers, and washing machines.
  
  
  

• EU Energy Label (European Commission): Updated in 2021, it provides transparent data on an appliance’s energy use, now using the A–G scale and QR codes for full performance details
  
  
  

• ISO 14001 Certification: A global standard for environmental management systems, ensuring manufacturers actively minimize their ecological footprint across production.
  
  
  
  

When used together, these certifications can paint a clearer picture of how efficient and sustainable a product really is. Still, they only measure part of the story — which is where consumers need to stay alert.

Greenwashing: When “Eco-Friendly” Isn’t

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: not every “green” product is what it claims to be. Greenwashing — marketing something as environmentally friendly without meaningful evidence — has become a widespread issue across nearly every industry.

It might look like a washing machine advertised as “eco-smart” with no certification to back it up, or a fridge promoted as “carbon-neutral” because the manufacturer bought offsets instead of changing production methods.

Spotting it takes a little skepticism and a quick fact-check. Look for:

• Specific data, not vague claims like “eco-friendly” or “planet-safe.”

• Third-party validation (like Energy Star or WaterSense), not just brand-created logos.

• Transparency — good companies clearly explain how their products meet standards, from materials to energy use.
  
  
  
  
  

If something sounds too good to be true — 100% emissions-free, fully recyclable, or “sustainable by design” with no details — it probably is.

What to Look For If You’re Committed to Sustainability

If you’re serious about sustainability, here’s what to keep an eye on before you buy — and after.

1. Efficiency ratings. Start with Energy Star and WaterSense certifications. These ensure your appliance meets measurable performance standards for energy and water use.

2. Durability and repairability. Choose brands known for longevity, available parts, and clear maintenance support. A ten-year-old appliance still running strong is far more sustainable than a newer one headed to the landfill.

3. Materials and end-of-life options. Look for recycled components, recyclable metals, or take-back programs. Some manufacturers (and retailers like The Good Guys and Appliances Online) offer recycling services when you replace old appliances.

4. Honest manufacturing practices. Companies with ISO 14001 or transparent sourcing policies are more likely to follow through on their promises.

Courtesy of Gerd Altmann

5. Smart habits. Even the most efficient machine can waste energy if used poorly. Run full loads, use cold water cycles, skip pre-rinsing dishes, and air-dry when possible. Sustainable living is as much about how you use your appliances as what you buy.

Built to Last

Sustainability isn’t a finish line — it’s a mindset. It’s choosing appliances that fit your household, last longer, and waste less. It’s asking questions before you buy, and using what you already have wisely.

Because the most sustainable appliance isn’t the newest model on the shelf — it’s the one that keeps doing its job for years without wasting energy, water, or money.

So before you replace, repair. Before you buy, research. And when you finally upgrade, make sure it’s truly built to last. And when those trusted machines eventually need a little help, ARS can be there with you every step of the way — from diagnosis to repair — helping you take that first step toward sustainability by keeping what you already own working better, for longer.

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A Trusted Label in Jeopardy: The Fight to Save Energy Star

This simple, voluntary label has helped millions—so why is it on the chopping block?

If you’ve ever shopped for a new fridge, dishwasher, or even a box of lightbulbs, you’ve probably seen that familiar little blue label: Energy Star. Quietly tucked into the corners of packaging and stats pages, it's a beacon. It has been helping people make smarter energy choices since the early ’90s. No pressure, no mandates—just a gentle nudge toward products that use less power and save you money.

Now, after over 30 years of proven impact, that helpful label is in danger of disappearing.

The Energy Star program is facing a growing push for elimination. It is part of a broader shift in federal climate and energy policy under the current Administration. While  hasn’t been officially ended—yet— the warning signs are blinking. If it goes, the effects will ripple through households, businesses, and even local building codes.

So how did we get here? What did Energy Star actually do? And what happens if it’s gone?

Let’s break it down.

Why Was the Energy Star Program Started?

The Energy Star program launched in 1992, born out of a simple but powerful idea: what if the federal government made it easier for people to choose appliances and electronics that used less energy?

It was started under President George H. W. Bush as a collaborative effort between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and later, the Department of Energy. At its core, the program was designed to test, certify, and label products that met high standards for energy efficiency. Products that earned the Energy Star label had to pass third-party certification and ongoing post-market testing to make sure they truly delivered on their promises.

But Energy Star didn’t stop at appliances. Over the years, the label expanded to cover homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants. The program even helped shape local building codes and tax incentives—making energy efficiency not just an individual choice, but a widespread cultural standard.

And perhaps most importantly: participation in the program was always voluntary. Manufacturers could opt in. Consumers could decide whether or not to buy Energy Star–certified products. The only requirement? Perform well enough to earn the label.

The Energy Star program has long been one of the federal government’s most popular and effective voluntary initiatives. 

What Did the Energy Star Program Achieve?

The results speak for themselves. According to the EPA’s 2024 report, Energy Star has helped Americans save more than five trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity since it began. That’s the equivalent of preventing four billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions—an environmental impact hard to ignore.

But the program’s benefits weren’t just green; they were financial, too. A typical household saves about $450 a year on energy costs simply by choosing Energy Star–labeled appliances. Every year, more than $100 billion worth of certified products are sold. And for every dollar the EPA spent on the program, it spurred $230 in private investment in energy-saving infrastructure and services.

With over 89% of American households recognizing the label, Energy Star became one of the most trusted symbols on store shelves. It helped level the playing field for consumers trying to make better choices—and gave manufacturers a reason to push for more efficient design.

In the words of the EPA, it’s “one of the most successful voluntary U.S. government programs in history.”

Has the Energy Star Program Actually Been Ended?

Not yet—but it’s under real threat.

In April 2024, media reports began circulating that the EPA, now under the second Trump administration, planned to dismantle the Energy Star program. This sparked swift backlash. Over 1,000 companies and organizations signed a letter urging the agency to keep the program, citing its effectiveness, affordability, and popularity.

Lawmakers from both parties have also weighed in. A group of 22 senators, including Bernie Sanders, Amy Klobuchar, and John Fetterman, sent a May 20 letter stating that the program is protected under the Energy Policy Act of 2005—meaning it cannot be legally shut down without Congressional approval.

So, no—the program hasn’t officially been ended. But behind the scenes, the groundwork for its elimination is being laid.

Why Is the Energy Star Program Under Threat?

According to statements from inside the EPA, programs like Energy Star are being “de-prioritized and eliminated” as part of a broader rollback of federal climate protections. That includes executive orders discouraging wind energy expansion, lawsuits aimed at state-level climate initiatives, and a general focus on fossil fuel development over emissions reductions.

In this political climate, even programs that align with cost-saving goals and industry support are on the chopping block.

Critics of the move—ranging from bipartisan lawmakers to energy nonprofits—point out that scrapping Energy Star makes little fiscal sense. The program costs only $32 million a year to run but saves more than $40 billion annually in consumer energy bills.

If the concern is government overreach, it’s worth remembering: Energy Star is voluntary. No one is forced to participate. It simply makes energy-efficient choices easier and more visible.

So why is it being targeted? The answer may be less about the program itself and more about an overarching strategy to dismantle anything linked to climate policy—regardless of its popularity or effectiveness.

What Are We Going to Do Now?

If Energy Star disappears, there will be ripple effects.

Consumers will lose a reliable, trusted label that helps them make informed purchases. Manufacturers will face a confusing patchwork of state-level standards. And utilities, cities, and green building initiatives will lose a central benchmark they’ve built policy around.

There are other certifications—LEED for buildings, or product specs from the Consortium for Energy Efficiency—but none are as widespread or federally backed. Most importantly, none are as easy for everyday people to recognize and trust.

Energy experts say it’s likely some form of replacement will emerge—but it may take time. And it probably won’t have the same national reach or impact.

If you care about saving money, reducing waste, or simply being able to find reliable information about what your appliances are doing behind the scenes, this is a moment to pay attention.

Whether or not you’ve ever paused to notice that little blue label on your washing machine or lightbulbs, chances are it’s already saved you money. Energy Star has quietly made American homes more efficient for decades—without fanfare, mandates, or complicated rules.

Losing it would mean more than just one less logo. It would mark the loss of a smart, simple system that worked.

Let’s hope it’s not too late to keep the lights on.

If you'd like to arrange an appointment with us, you can reach out via our contact page or by giving us a call. Appliance Rescue Service is always here to keep your home appliances maintained and running smoothly.

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