The ENERGY STAR® label is recognized by 90% of consumers and for almost thirty years, it’s remained the simple choice for efficiency. Nationwide’s ENERGY STAR partnership adds unique value for members by enhancing consumer trust and driving sales across a wide variety of product categories sold throughout the year. In fact, 68% of purchasers indicate the ENERGY STAR label was influential.

More than a label, ENERGY STAR offers resources through its partnership with Nationwide to help you differentiate, excel, and increase revenue while strengthening your brand image. Check out the opportunities below and on the ENERGY STAR page on MemberNet, where you can always find the latest on ENERGY STAR.

Bolster Consumer Trust: The Value of ENERGY STAR

Over the past 25 years, ENERGY STAR has become America’s trusted resource for energy efficiency. Nationwide members can leverage the strong brand identity, credibility and quality associated with ENERGY STAR to enhance your relationship with consumers and differentiate your product offerings from competitors.

ENERGY STAR resonates with consumers as a trusted, credible, and unbiased mark. They understand that it means protecting the environment and saving energy and money. Consumers see the ENERGY STAR mark as an implicit seal of approval, and about 70% of purchasers report they are likely to recommend ENERGY STAR products to friends. Nationwide members can build customer confidence and loyalty by offering high quality ENERGY STAR products. The mark helps consumers navigate complex product categories by providing a trusted option that indicates environmental and financial benefits.

Be a Part of Something Big: Leverage ENERGY STAR National Campaigns

Amplify your marketing by aligning your promotions with the collective national efforts of ENERGY STAR partners. Take advantage of Nationwide’s resources and opportunities to participate in ENERGY STAR promotions, such as the upcoming ENERGY STAR Day campaign in October.

ENERGY STAR brings together regional energy-efficiency efforts from across the country, into united, product-focused, co-branded campaigns — timed for product seasonality. During these campaign periods, the Environmental Protection Agency pushes out related content through a variety of media channels that drive impressions and traffic to the ENERGY STAR website featuring resources promoting consumer demand for certified products. Find the 2021 Outreach Plan for ENERGY STAR Products on the ENERGY STAR website to take advantage of the 2021 EPA promotional calendar.

Go to MemberNet to learn about promotional marketing resources and tools, such as signage and advertising creative, available to Nationwide members to help support participation in ENERGY STAR national promotions.

Leverage ENERGY STAR Most Efficient to Drive Sales and Loyalty

Increase sales, save customers money and build loyalty by offering cutting-edge products that achieve the highest level of efficiency without compromising features or functionality. The ENERGY STAR Most Efficient distinction is awarded annually to the most efficient products among those that qualify for the ENERGY STAR label.

Products recognized as ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2021 demonstrate efficiency performance that is truly exceptional and inspirational – consistent with the interests of environmentally motivated consumers and early adopters. Recognition criteria are renewed on a yearly basis to ensure these products continue to represent the “best of the best.” Eligible products must be ENERGY STAR-certified by an EPA-recognized certification body and meet the applicable ENERGY STAR Most Efficient performance criteria.

To learn more, visit www.energystar.gov/products/most_efficient.

Help Customers Save with ENERGY STAR Partnerships Utilities around the country are offering rebates for ENERGY STAR certified products. While you are talking to a customer about ENERGY STAR, check the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder for related local incentives. It is an online, searchable tool designed to help ENERGY STAR partners leverage incentives and promotional opportunities with ENERGY STAR certified products and includes a recently updated list of rebate programs.

Did You Hear ENERGY STAR On the Independent Thinking Podcast?

Rob Stott sat down earlier this year with Dan Cronin, retail program manager at ENERGY STAR, and Nationwide’s own Rick Weinberg to talk about how the nearly 30-year-old program has adapted over time, and how retailers can leverage the program within their stores. Listen to episode 65 online or wherever you listen to podcasts.