EPA Recognizes Bosch With 2012 ENERGY STAR(R) Sustained Excellence Award

IRVINE, CA--(Marketwire - Mar 2, 2012) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Bosch home appliances a 2012 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award in recognition of its continued leadership in protecting our environment through energy efficiency. Bosch's accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 15, 2012, which marks the 20^th anniversary of ENERGY STAR.

Bosch, an ENERGY STAR partner since 2007, will be honored for its long-term commitment to energy efficiency. This includes being the only U.S. appliance manufacturer with 100 percent of its major appliances ENERGY STAR-rated and exceeding federal energy standards in dishwashers by up to 97 percent. Bosch also manufactures the most energy- and water-efficient dishwasher in North America -- the Bosch 800 Plus.

Across the U.S., top companies and organizations are leading the way toward a more energy-efficient future through participation in ENERGY STAR.

Over the past 20 years, American families and businesses have saved nearly $230 billion on utility bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to those from more than 350 million vehicles with help from ENERGY STAR.

"Bosch is committed to partnering with ENERGY STAR in our efforts to increase energy efficiency in its entire line of German-engineered kitchen appliances that includes dishwashers, ranges, cooktops, refrigeration and laundry pairs. We are proud to help protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Micaela Shaw, brand manager, Bosch home appliances.

The 2012 Sustained Excellence Awards are given to a select group of organizations that have exhibited outstanding leadership year after year. These winners have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by setting and achieving aggressive goals, employing innovative approaches, and showing others what can be achieved through energy efficiency. These awards recognize ongoing leadership across the ENERGY STAR program including energy-efficient products, services, new homes and buildings in the commercial, industrial and public sectors. Award winners are selected from about 20,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

"As we celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the ENERGY STAR program, EPA is proud to recognize Bosch home appliances with the 2012 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Bosch and all our ENERGY STAR award winners are helping Americans find cost-effective ways to save energy in everything we do, which is good for our climate, our health, and our future."

About Bosch home appliances
Bosch Home Appliances is part of BSH, Bosch and Siemens Home Appliance Group, the third largest appliance manufacturer in the world. Known worldwide for raising standards in appliance efficiency and quietness, Bosch is the only US appliance manufacturer with entire product lines of ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers, washers and refrigeration. With US headquarters in Irvine, Calif., the company operates an appliance park in New Bern, North Carolina comprised of state-of-the-art factories for dishwashers, ranges, ovens and cooktops. For more Bosch information, visit www.bosch-home.com/us, like Bosch at Facebook.com/BoschAppliances or connect on Twitter @BoschAppliances.

About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Now celebrating its 20^th anniversary, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. About 20,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).