Energy Star
Energy Star (trademarked ENERGY STAR) is a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that promotes energy efficiency.[4] The program provides information on the energy consumption of products and devices using different standardized methods. The Energy Star label[5] is found on more than 75 different certified product categories, homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants. In the United States, the Energy Star label is also shown on the Energy Guide appliance label of qualifying products.
Not to be confused with Star Energy.Founded
March 15, 1992
John S. Hoffman. U.S. EPA
Elements of the Energy Star Program are being implemented in Japan, Taiwan, and Switzerland, as well as by Energy Star Canada.[6] In 2018, a 15-year long agreement with the European Union[7] expired. A previous agreement with the European Free Trade Association[6] has expired.
History[edit]
The Energy Star program was established by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 and operates under the authority of the Clean Air Act, section 103(g), and the 2005 Energy Policy Act, section 131 (which amended the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, section 324).[8][9][10] Since 1992, Energy Star and its partners are estimated to have reduced various energy bills by at least $430 billion.[11]
The EPA manages Energy Star products, as well as home and commercial/industrial programs. The EPA develops and manages Energy Star Portfolio Manager, an online energy tracking and benchmarking tool for commercial buildings. The DOE manages Home Performance with Energy Star and provides technical support, including test procedure development for products and some verification testing of products.[12]
Initiated as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy efficient products, Energy Star began with labels for computer and printer products. In 1995 the program was significantly expanded, introducing labels for residential heating and cooling systems and new homes.[13] In 2000, the Consortium for Energy Efficiency was directed by members to begin an annual survey of Energy Star impact.[14]
According to the U.S. Energy and Employment Report for 2016, 290,000 American workers are involved in the manufacture of Energy Star certified products and building materials.[15] The report also projects that employment in energy efficiency will grow much faster than other areas of the energy sector—9 percent in 2017 vs. average projected growth of 5 percent across all of the energy sector—and that Energy Star will be an integral part of that market.
Controversies[edit]
In March 2010, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) performed covert testing of the Energy Star product certification process and found that Energy Star was for the most part a self-certification program that was vulnerable to fraud and abuse.[47] While the GAO demonstrated, by submitting fake products from made-up companies, that cheating was possible, they found no evidence of consumer fraud relating to the quality or performance of Energy Star qualified products.[47]
In response, the Environmental Protection Agency instituted third-party certification of all Energy Star products starting in 2011.[48] Under this regime, products are tested in an EPA-recognized laboratory and reviewed by an EPA-recognized certification body before they can carry the label. In order to be recognized, labs and certification bodies must meet specified criteria and be subject to oversight by a recognized accreditation body. In addition, a percentage of Energy Star certified product models in each category are subject to off-the-shelf verification testing each year.
As of 2017, there are 23 independent certification bodies and 255 independent laboratories recognized for purposes of Energy Star product certification and testing.[49] Most cover multiple product types. In 2016, 1,881 product models were subject to verification testing with an overall compliance rate of 95%.[50]
In March 2017 the Trump Administration proposed a budget that would eliminate the program.[51] This prompted an outpouring of expressions of support for the Energy Star program from environmental groups, energy efficiency advocates,[52] and businesses.[53]
The current and projected status of energy codes and standards adoption is show in the maps at the link.[54]
The following cities have mandatory reporting requirements.