Frigidaire Named 2011 ENERGY STAR® Product Manufacturer Partner of the Year

NEW YORK, March 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The maker of Frigidaire brand appliances has been named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for Product Manufacturer by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The award recognizes the company for increasing their selection and delivery of environmentally-conscious ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and helping to educate consumers about the ENERGY STAR program.  Award winners are selected from more than 20,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

"Today, EPA is recognizing Electrolux for their leadership in addressing climate change through energy efficiency," said Elizabeth Craig, Acting Director of EPA's Office of Atmospheric Programs.  "Electrolux is producing and promoting energy-efficient ENERGY STAR products that help American consumers join in the effort to increase our nation's energy efficiency and reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases.  We look forward continuing to partner with these winners as they create the next generation of energy efficient products."

In 2010, Frigidaire encouraged consumers to recycle old appliances and replace them with ENERGY STAR qualified appliances through the Swap and Save program, which so far has saved U.S. consumers more than $240 million dollars in energy savings and more than 7.4 billion gallons of water.

"As a proud ENERGY STAR partner, Frigidaire is committed to helping our customers save money and increase energy efficiency in their homes," said Marty O'Gorman, general manager of Frigidaire.  "This recognition is an honor and a testament to our long-standing relationship with the ENERGY STAR program."

Frigidaire's new collections of kitchen and laundry appliances include ENERGY STAR qualified appliances in every product category, where applicable, offering a wide variety of stylish appliances that are from 10% to 80% more energy-efficient than non-ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances.  Innovative features that minimize energy and water consumption are a priority across the appliance line, from washers that use up to 82% less energy and 60% less water to refrigerators and freezers that use at least 10% less energy, to dishwashers that use at least 41% less energy and 40% less water than was used just 10 years ago.  In fact, Frigidaire dishwashers use five gallons of water per load versus 27 gallons for hand washing – a savings of more than 50,000 gallons of water over the average life of the product.  

The maker of Frigidaire applies this commitment to operational efficiency as well. The parent company of Frigidaire is recognized as leader in the Durable Household Products category in the most recent Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. As part of its sustainability strategy, the parent company of Frigidaire has committed that by the end of 2012, its factories, offices and warehouses will use 28% less energy than in 2005 and had achieved a 25% reduction versus 2005 at the end of 2010. Additionally, the company has set ambition targets related to water usage and transportation emissions reduction globally.

Frigidaire has always been committed to helping consumers save money and energy.  In fact, consumers who are interested in swapping out old appliances can calculate their potential cash and energy savings at frigidaire.com/energysaving or on Facebook at facebook.com/frigidaire.

The entire new Frigidaire appliance line is available nationwide at Best Buy, Lowe's, Sears and select independent appliance dealers.  

About Frigidaire

Consumer research shows that Frigidaire is a legendary brand known for its reliability. With more than 500 new products rolling out into 2011, the new Frigidaire has been designed to help families make the most of their time and space with high-performing, easy-to-use appliances with time-saving features. Visit frigidaire.com for more information.

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants associated with energy use. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 60 kinds of products as well as new homes and buildings. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $18 billion on their utility bills and prevented greenhouse gas equivalent to those of 34 million cars. Products, homes and buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR prevent emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the EPA.  For more information, go to energystar.gov.

SOURCE Frigidaire