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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) clarifying their joint administration of the ENERGY STAR program. The Alliance commends EPA and DOE for this important agreement, ensuring that ENERGY STAR products continue to “push the envelope” on energy efficiency.
In the MOU, DOE and EPA have agreed to alter their indivdual focus areas according to their respective strengths. EPA will manage the ENERGY STAR brand and determine specifications (i.e., qualifying standards) for all equipment, appliances and buildings; DOE will concentrate on energy efficiency labels for buildings, and manage most test procedures and testing.
To ensure the integrity of the ENERGY STAR label, the agreement sets new guidelines for the product labeling and eligibility review processes. EPA will set energy efficiency product specifications at a level met by approximately the top 25 percent of a given product class; these specifications will be reviewed when the market share for qualifying products reaches 35 percent, or alternatively every three years (two years in the case of products whose technology is advancing quickly). In addition, the two agencies have proposed an “Energy Superstar” category for appliances in the top 5 percent of their product class in terms of efficiency.
Lastly, the MOU calls for a testing ramp-up of off-the-shelf appliance models, with lab testing of all product models that apply for ENERGY STAR status. This will boost consumer trust in the ENERGY STAR brand and confirm the status of products that have earned this prestigious label.
For more information visit www.energystar.gov.
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