Energy Star
Issuing Organization:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Label purpose:
Energy Star is a program developed to identify and promote energy-efficient products, buildings, and practices across multiple sectors, including commercial, residential, and industrial. The label's mission is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants caused by the inefficient use of energy and to make it easy for consumers to identify and purchase energy-efficient products that offer savings on energy bills without sacrificing performance, features, and comfort.

Certification Criteria:

Products must meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. Criteria vary by product category and are based on key principles including product energy consumption, energy savings, performance, reliability, and user convenience. Eligible products must demonstrate that they can deliver significant energy savings nationwide and provide the features and performance demanded by consumers, in addition to increased energy efficiency.

Geographical Coverage:

Products must meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. Criteria vary by product category and are based on key principles including product energy consumption, energy savings, performance, reliability, and user convenience. Eligible products must demonstrate that they can deliver significant energy savings nationwide and provide the features and performance demanded by consumers, in addition to increased energy efficiency.

Target Industries/Segments:

The program targets a wide range of sectors, including office equipment, heating and cooling systems, lighting, home electronics, commercial and industrial buildings, and new homes.

Certification Process:

Manufacturers must first ensure their products meet Energy Star specifications. Then, products are tested in an EPA-recognized laboratory and reviewed by a third party. If products meet the Energy Star requirements, manufacturers can then label them as Energy Star certified.

Certificate Validity:

Product certification is ongoing, with periodic reviews and updates to efficiency criteria to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness in promoting energy savings. Manufacturers must re-certify their products whenever the Energy Star specifications are revised.

Benefits for Consumers/Producers:

For consumers, Energy Star certified products help save on electricity bills and reduce environmental impact without compromising performance. For producers, the label enhances product marketability, as it signifies commitment to energy efficiency and environmental stewardship, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

Sustainability Impact:

Energy Star plays a critical role in combating climate change, improving air quality, and protecting the environment by encouraging the use of less energy. Since its inception, the Energy Star program has made significant contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through its partnership with thousands of businesses and organizations and the widespread adoption of energy-efficient products and practices.