energy-efficient appliances
It's been 14 years since the EPA introduced the Energy Star labeling program to identify energy-efficient products. Today, it's an important determinant of the appliances architects and clients choose. Energy Star-qualified refrigerators use about half as much energy as a pre-1993 model, and dishwashers use 25 percent less energy and less water. Allison Ewing, AIA, Hays + Ewing Design Studio, Charlottesville, Va., likes to spec single-unit washer/ dryers because they use one-third the water of a conventional unit.
