ENERGY STAR®

SALES ASSOCIATE TRAINING

Decorative Light Strings

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What is ENERGY STAR?

ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program that helps consumers identify energy-efficient products.

ENERGY STAR qualified products:• Save energy• Save money• Save the environment

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About ENERGY STAR

The ENERGY STAR mark ranks among the highest level of influence on product purchase among all consumer emblems, similar in ranking to the Good Housekeeping Seal.

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Why Buy ENERGY STAR?

High quality performance • ENERGY STAR qualified decorative light strings are independently tested to meet strict performance requirements, and all models come with a three-year warranty.

Save money without sacrifice • ENERGY STAR qualified light strings are

more durable than traditional light strings and come in a variety of colors and styles, so

consumers don’t have to sacrifice quality to save energy and money.

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In 2010 alone, Americans—with the help of ENERGY STAR—saved nearly $18 billion on their energy bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions of 33 million vehicles.

Consumer awareness and desire for efficiency savings is highMore than 40% of U.S. households knowingly purchased an ENERGY STAR-labeled product in the past year. Of these purchasers:

•About 75% report the label as influential in their purchasing decision.

•About 80% report they are likely to recommend products that have earned the ENERGY STAR to friends.

– 29% of these households reported they were "extremely" likely to recommend ENERGY STAR-labeled products.

ENERGY STAR Sales Value

Source: 1) ENERGY STAR Overview of 2010 Achievements, March 2011. 2) EPA Office of Air and Radiation, Climate Protection Partnerships Division . National Awareness of ENERGY STAR for 2010: Analysis of 2010 CEE Household Survey. U.S. EPA, 2011.

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ENERGY STAR Qualified Decorative Light String Criteria

Qualified light strings meet strict performance and energy efficiency criteria:

• Input power consumption per lamp must not exceed 0.20 watts.

• Products must pass a 1,000 hour continuous life test.

• Warranty against all defects through normal residential seasonal use must be at least three years.

• Light strings must meet appropriate safety standards.

• The average number of failed lamps after 1,000 hours of operation shall be no greater than 3%.

• Products labeled for outdoor use must pass weather tests, including exposure to ultraviolet emissions, water spray, and condensation.

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Light Emitting Diode (LED) Technology

Fun Fact

The amount of electricity consumed by just one 7-watt incandescent bulb could power 140 LEDs – enough to light two 24-foot (7.3 meter) strings!

LED Technology

Light emitting diode (LED) technology, featured in many ENERGY STAR qualified light strings, is exceptionally energy efficient when producing individual colors. Many LEDs use up to 90% less energy than an incandescent bulb. LEDs are small light sources that are illuminated by the movement of electrons through a semiconductor material.

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Saving Energy = Saving Money

• The typical household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills.

• Qualified light strings use about 70% less energy than conventional incandescent models, helping consumers save money on their energy bills.

ENERGY STAR qualified products use less energy and cost less to operate resulting in:

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Saving Energy Helps Protect the Environment

Did You Know?• If all decorative light strings sold in

the U.S. this year were ENERGY STAR qualified, we would reduce greenhouse gas emissions

equivalent to nearly 80,000 cars!

• By using less energy, qualified light strings help prevent climate

change by reducing the greenhouse gas emissions caused by burning fossil fuels at power plants.

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• Create Business Value– More than 80 percent of American households:

• Recognize the ENERGY STAR label. • Have a high or general understanding of the ENERGY STAR label.

– Differentiate your organization: • Arm your staff with knowledge• Provide your customers products of choice

• Create Social Value– Decelerate climate change by preventing greenhouse gas emissions by

reducing energy use with ENERGY STAR qualified products– Lower energy bills for consumers and businesses– Boost your brand’s environmental image

ENERGY STAR As Your Sales Partner

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ENERGY STAR qualified decorative light strings:• Consume 70% less energy than conventional incandescent light strings. • Available in a variety styles, including different colors, shapes, and with

dimming features.• Last up to 10 times longer than traditional incandescent light strings and are

more durable.• Save energy and help prevent climate change by reducing the greenhouse

gas emissions caused by burning fossil fuels at power plants.

ENERGY STARDecorative Light Strings: Overview

ENERGY STAR:The government-backed program dedicated to helping consumers protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. Look for the ENERGY STAR label on qualified light strings.

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A user-friendly and easily navigable micro-site containing training tools for partners.Users can navigate throughout three main categories to find training resources relevantto them: products, campaigns, utilities/energy efficiency program sponsors.

Benefits• EASY: Access to all ENERGY STAR training materials and resources on your own

• ACCURATE: The most current training materials to share with your sales associates for increasing the sale of ENERGY STAR qualified products and services

• RELEVANT: A location for collaboration and idea exchange with other partners

To LEARN MORE, visit the ENERGY STAR Training Center page at: www.energystar.gov/training