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Green Ribbon Products (BUILDING PRODUCTS Magazine)

These days, you can't swing a hammer without hitting a product marketing itself as "green." But while the sustainable building trend is one that's often as good for the bottom line as it is for environment, all this bandwagon-jumping can lead to greenwashing, leaving many pros and consumers confused--and wary.

Dishwashers Combine Energy Efficiency, Water Conservation, and Premium Cleaning (BUILDING PRODUCTS Magazine)

Energy savings, water conservation, noise suppression, and even bacteria levels all come into play inside today

Compact dishwasher

Two independent dish drawers integrated in one unit offer smaller, more economical, and environmentally friendly dishwashing, the maker says. The Energy Star-certified unit uses as little as 1.98 gallons of water and 157 annual kWh* per drawer on eco cycles and only 2.4 gallons during normal cycles. Product features include nine wash cycles, a flow-through detergent dispenser, and up to 12-hour delayed start. It comes in the EZKleen stainless steel finish. 888.936.7872.

Elite Dishwasher

Developed in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute's Roots and Shoots program, the Elite Dishwasher with Ultra Wash HE exceeds 2007 Energy Star standards, and uses 34% less energy and 41% less water compared to a dishwasher manufactured seven years ago, the maker says. The unit uses 305 kWh* per year and features SmartWash turbidity sensors that assess soil levels and a top rack-only option that allows for partial loads. 800.349.4358. www.sears.com

Hotpoint Dishwasher

Now available in the U.S., the Hotpoint Ariston LDF1235X freestanding dishwasher features a turbidity sensor that measures soil levels and adjusts water use accordingly. An acoustical dampening system reduces sound emissions to 43 dBA. It offers a Speed 25 cycle for half-rack washing in 25 minutes, and a baby cycle that heats water to sanitation temperatures. The unit meets Energy Star requirements, consuming 225.75 kWh of energy annually and 3.7 gallons of water per cycle. 800.356.0766.

Profile SmartDispense 2 dishwasher

Available this August, the Profile SmartDispense 2 dishwasher boasts steam-cleaning capabilities and a 47-ounce detergent reservoir. The unit will exceed 2007 Energy Star requirements (annual kWh usage not yet reported by Energy Star), and it includes an angle rack system to prevent pooling water and a top rack-only wash cycle for half loads. An optional acoustics package reduces sound emissions to 45 dBA. It is available with top controls or a front control panel. 800.626.2005.

U Series Dishwasher

The U Series dishwasher, part of the Architect Series II, features a steam option for more powerful cleaning that uses less water, the maker says. The unit features a four-blade food disposer that eliminates the need for pre-rinsing and turbidity sensors that adjust water amounts. A sound-dampening and insulation system reduces sound emissions to 48 dBA. The dishwasher is Energy Star certified with annual energy consumption of 334 kWh*. 800.334.6889.

Evolution and Integra dishwasher lines

The Evolution and Integra dishwasher lines feature the quietest and most energy-efficient models in the country, the maker says. 300, 500, and 800 Series models in both lines are Energy Star rated, exceed the federal minimum energy standard by 147%, and have a yearly energy usage of 190 kWh*. Infrared soil-sensing equipment, available on all models, customizes the wash cycle from 48 preset cycle options that use as little as 1.8 gallons of water per cycle. 800.944.2904.

HD series dishwashers

The three models in the HD dishwasher series exceed Energy Star compliance standards (annual kWh usage ranges between 290 and 315*, depending on model) and feature a soil-sensor system and triple water filtration, ensuring dishes are 99.99% bacteria free, the maker says. According to the company, the HD94 and HD64 units operate so quietly at 44 dBA that they include a PowerBeam laser that reflects on the kitchen floor to show the machine is operating. All models are available in stainless steel or fully integrated for custom panel applications. 800.656.9226.

DFUD Ultra Premium dishwasher

The Viking DFUD Ultra Premium dishwasher incorporates two motor/pump assemblies for more efficient water circulation and drainage than single-motor systems, the maker says. Water temperature options range from 85 degrees F to 170 degrees F depending on the cycle. All cycles focus on water efficiency ranging between 4.5 gallons of water for the normal cycle and 2.5 gallons for the China/Light cycle. The unit uses 234 kWh* of energy per year and is Energy Star certified. 662.455.1200.