FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas is taking the next step toward creating a sustainable facility by becoming a partner in the federal Energy Star program. The university is the first higher education institution in Arkansas to become a partner in the program.

Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The program works with individuals, businesses and organizations to promote economical solutions to environmental problems through energy efficient products and practices.

“Energy Star has a proven history of helping institutions cut both their energy consumption and their energy bills,” said Mike Johnson, associate vice chancellor for facilities management. “We are working to make the University of Arkansas a sustainable campus, and the tools and resources Energy Star provides will help us do an even better job and reach our goals sooner.”

The program was started in 1992 by the EPA, and expanded in 1996 when the Energy Department added its resources. According to its Web site, “Over the past decade, Energy Star has been a driving force behind the more widespread use of such technological innovations as LED traffic lights, efficient fluorescent lighting, power management systems for office equipment, and low standby energy use.” The program has more than 9,000 private and public sector partners and “delivers the technical information and tools that organizations and consumers need to choose energy-efficient solutions and best management practices.” Energy Star claims energy and cost savings of $14 billion in 2006.