maintaining the value of
ENERGY STAR®
ENERGYSTAR 2007 Report
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary 1
Introduction 4
Section I. Overview of ENERGY STAR program and trademarks 6
A. Program background 6
B. ENERGY STAR brand and marks 7
C. Maintaining trademark protection and program integrity 9
D. Current licensing agreements governing the use of ENERGY STAR 10
DOE Memorandum of Cooperation 10
International agreements with EPA governing use of ENERGY STAR 12
Partnership Agreement requirements by partner and category 12
Section II. Monitoring and ensuring appropriate use of ENERGY STAR 21
A. Monitoring use and responding to possible misuse of ENERGY STAR in
advertisements and on the Internet 21
Monitoring print advertisements monthly 22
Monitoring Internet and domain name use quarterly 23
Responding to potential trademark infringements and other complaints raised
by consumers and third parties 23
Monitoring daily media 25
B. Assessing in-store use of ENERGY STAR 25
Section III. Verifying energy performance of ENERGY STAR products and homes 28
A. Qualification testing for products 28
Qualification testing requirements for products 28
B. Compliance Audit Program 33
EPA verification testing for products 33
Third-Party certification testing 38
Quality assurance testing for lighting products 38
EPA quality assurance testing for residential light fixtures (RLFs) 39
DOE quality assurance testing for CFLs 39
C. Product mislabeling protocol 42
D. Qualification and verification testing requirements for homes 43
Verification of site-built homes 44
Manufactured homes 44
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR 45
Section IV. Assessing consumer experience and perception of ENERGY STAR 47
A. Household awareness of, understanding of, use of, and loyalty to ENERGY STAR 47
B. Sales staff evaluation 50
Section V. Establishing and revising ENERGY STAR specifications 53
A. Guiding principles for developing and revising ENERGY STAR specifications 53
B. Revising product specifications and adding new product categories 61
C. Revising homes specifications 62
Section VI. Ensuring compliance with other Partnership Agreement requirements 79
A. Manufacturer shipment data 79
B. Retailer sales data 82
Conclusion 82
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Executive Summary
The ENERGY STAR identity is a valuable asset, and like any asset with appreciable value, it must be
properly used and protected. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department
of Energy (DOE) undertake substantial efforts to ensure 1) that the ENERGY STAR name and marks
are applied properly and consistently in the marketplace; 2) that ENERGY STAR delivers on its
promise to designate products and services that protect the environment through superior energy
efficiency while achieving superior energy efficiency without trade-offs in performance or quality and
offering attractive financial payback on any additional initial purchase costs; and 3) that the program is
positioned to deliver growing energy savings and related environmental benefits for years to come.
The following are ways in which EPA and DOE establish and maintain control over the use of the
ENERGY STAR name and marks:
• Entering into Partnership Agreements with product manufacturers, retailers, energy efficiency
program administrators, builders, and others, which specifically outline the terms and
conditions for using the ENERGY STAR name and marks (also called logos)
• Issuing ENERGY STAR program identity guidelines to program partners and third parties to
ensure proper use of the logo
• Monitoring the use of the name and marks in trade media, advertisements, the Internet, and
stores
• Responding when consumers, competitors, program partners, and others bring possible
trademark infringements to the attention of EPA or DOE
• Verifying the energy performance of products and homes through product testing
• Requiring product manufacturers to report qualification test results, which are reviewed and
approved or disapproved
• Assessing consumer experience with and perceptions of ENERGY STAR when purchasing or
shopping for qualified products and services
• Updating performance specifications as needed (e.g., when high levels of market penetration
are reached; underlying reference standards are revised; there are substantial changes in
technology, features, and functionality, etc.) to ensure that the ENERGY STAR designation
remains meaningful in the marketplace
EPA protects the ENERGY STAR brand through formal registration of the name and trademark with
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, through formal agreements with other government agencies
and program partners governing use of the trademark, by providing written guidance on the proper
application and use of the ENERGY STAR name and logo, and by actively monitoring its use in the
marketplace. Today the program has active licensing or Partnership Agreements with more than
12,000 partners, including:
• 2,000 manufacturers
• 1,000 retailers
• 5,000 building partners
• 550 utilities, states, and other energy efficiency program administrators
• Hundreds of energy service providers
• 7 international governments or unions
These organizations work with EPA and DOE to promote ENERGY STAR as a solution for reducing
greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. These partners play a vital role in
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delivering ENERGY STAR qualified products and services to market and/or educating diverse
constituents on the energy, environmental, and financial benefits of choosing ENERGY STAR.
With a large and diverse network of partners delivering ENERGY STAR products and messaging to
market comes a number of challenges to maintaining the integrity of the ENERGY STAR name and
logos. EPA and DOE track appropriate use of the name and logo through a variety of methods,
including monitoring media, responding to trademark issues raised by third parties, and verifying
energy performance. There are formal protocols for dealing with potential trademark infringements,
which are actively pursued until issues are resolved. Trademark violations as a percent of total
companies advertising in print is negligible—estimated at less than 1 percent of advertisers in 2007
(0.66 percent)—and misuse as a percent of total advertising volume is also low—estimated at less
than 2 percent of advertising volume in 2007 (1.35 percent).
All ENERGY STAR specifications criteria are based on strict performance criteria with clearly defined
test procedures. Manufacturers are required to report qualification test results to EPA and DOE, which
are reviewed and approved or disapproved. In addition, EPA verifies energy performance through its
Compliance Audit Program. There are three key components to this Program:
1. EPA verification testing, which is administered by EPA using third-party independent
laboratories. To date, EPA has tested 10 product categories and 172 product models. Of all
models tested to date, three failed compliance testing. Failures were addressed in a timely
fashion by the program.
2. Third-party testing, administered by external, independent organizations. This testing
approach is relevant to products tested under certification programs, as well as products
reviewed independently by organizations.
3. Quality assurance testing for lighting products. To date, this approach is only used for
residential light fixtures (RLFs); however, DOE has developed a similar program for compact
fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which will begin when the revised CFL criteria takes effect in
December 2008. Ten RLFs and 12 lamp and ballast platforms were tested by EPA in 2006
and 2007 as part of the quality assurance testing program. Two fixtures and two platforms
have been removed from the Qualified Product List (de-listed) as a result of failures. Both the
fixtures and CFL quality assurance testing programs evolved out of a
third-party testing program known as the Program for Evaluation and Analysis of Residential
Lighting (PEARL), which has been funded by both federal agencies and partner energy
efficiency programs to perform off-the-shelf testing of ENERGY STAR lighting products. Under
PEARL, 62 CFLs were tested in 2006 and 2007 and 13 CFLs have been de-listed as a result
of failures.
To understand how ENERGY STAR is perceived by consumers and presented to them in the
marketplace, EPA analyzes household recognition of, understanding of, use of, and loyalty to
ENERGY STAR labeled products and homes once each year; and it evaluates sales staff knowledge
and use of ENERGY STAR messaging in major retail outlets twice each year. Today, more than 70
percent of households nationwide recognize the ENERGY STAR label, more than 76 percent of these
households correctly interpret the meaning of the ENERGY STAR label, and approximately 5 out of 6
of these households report they are likely to recommend ENERGY STAR products to friends.
Furthermore, from 2001 to 2007, retail staff using ENERGY STAR as part of the sales process has
increased across a number of product categories.
To ensure that the ENERGY STAR label continues to differentiate top energy performance in the
marketplace and captures additional energy-savings opportunities as appropriate, EPA and DOE
regularly screen and prioritize opportunities based on formal guiding principles for specification
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development. These efforts have resulted in revisions to existing ENERGY STAR specifications,
sunsetting or suspension of some specifications, and the introduction of new specifications with
considerable energy and environmental benefits. Since the program's inception in 1992, more than 50
product and service categories have been added to the ENERGY STAR suite. In addition, numerous
specifications have been updated to achieve additional energy and performance benefits. This report
shows that new ENERGY STAR specifications for six product categories are in the process of being
developed and 15 existing product specifications are in the process of being updated.
EPA and DOE also have a significant commitment to pursuing both the voluntary and required data
submission provisions of some Partnership Agreements. Tracking the market share of ENERGY
STAR qualified products helps inform future specification revisions and program progress in delivering
energy savings and related greenhouse gas emission reductions. In 2006, more than 90 percent of
manufacturing partners who had mandatory requirements for market data submission provided the
required data.
In sum, EPA and DOE undertake substantial efforts not only to monitor the application and use of the
ENERGY STAR trademark, but also to ensure that ENERGY STAR delivers the energy and
environmental savings inherent in the ENERGY STAR promise. By consistently presenting the
meaning and benefits of the ENERGY STAR label, EPA and DOE maintain and build the label's value
which immeasurably benefits all. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, prevented 40 million
metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2007 alone—equivalent to the annual emissions from 27
million vehicles—and saved about $16 billion on their energy bills. Savings are on track to nearly
double in 10 years as more households, businesses, and organizations rely on ENERGY STAR for
guidance in investing in energy-efficient products and practices.
This report is presented in six main sections and provides additional detail on these efforts:
• Section I provides an overview of the ENERGY STAR program and trademarks.
• Section II summarizes the information that is collected and the processes used to maintain the
integrity of the ENERGY STAR label across trade media, the Internet, advertisements, and
stores.
• Section III summarizes the processes that are used to qualify products and homes and verify
energy performance.
• Section IV summarizes the information collected and the methods used to assess consumer
perceptions of and experience with purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified products, homes,
and services.
• Section V provides a review of the criteria that EPA and DOE use when selecting products that
can earn the ENERGY STAR and summarizes the general principles used to prioritize
specifications for revision. It also details specifications that have been revised or will soon be
revised to ensure product quality and performance differentiation in the marketplace, as well
as prospective revisions and new product categories being considered.
• Section VI summarizes the efforts EPA is undertaking to ensure partners comply with the data
submission requirements of the Partnership Agreement.
New elements addressed in this report include:
• Expanded discussion on how EPA verifies energy performance through its Compliance Audit
Program, which includes EPA verification testing, third-party testing, and quality assurance
testing for lighting products (Section III).
• Expanded discussion of the criteria that EPA and DOE use to ensure consistency when
selecting products that can earn the ENERGY STAR (Section V).
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Introduction
The ENERGY STAR brand is a valuable asset, and like any asset with appreciable value it must be
properly used and protected. This report documents how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) work to ensure the integrity of the ENERGY STAR
program and the proper use of the ENERGY STAR trademark. It focuses on the practices and
processes used to ensure that labeled products, new homes, and home improvement services are
properly represented in the marketplace and are positioned to deliver meaningful energy savings and
related environmental benefits. It does not address the procedures for EPA's effort in the commercial
and industrial sectors, which are similar in many cases and may be added at a later time.
This report also addresses the legal mechanisms for protecting the ENERGY STAR trademark and
summarizes the efforts both agencies undertake to ensure that those protections remain fully
enforceable in a court of law should the need arise. Additionally the report addresses questions of
relevance and preference: Is the ENERGY STAR label useful to consumers? How is it being used by
retail partners in the marketplace to communicate energy-efficient and environmentally-preferable
products? In addition, given the success of the program in achieving high levels of market penetration
for many product categories, what efforts are undertaken to ensure that the ENERGY STAR label
continues to differentiate top energy performance and is leveraged to address new technologies and
opportunities for additional energy savings and environmental benefits moving forward?
The report is divided into six main sections:
Section I provides an overview of the ENERGY STAR program and trademarks, including the
following:
• The statutory basis of the program and program history
• An overview of the program's registered trademarks and the legal protections of trademark
registration
• An overview of the methods that EPA and DOE use to maintain trademark protection and
program integrity
• The scope and nature of current licensing or Partnership Agreements that allow others to use
the ENERGY STAR name and logos under certain conditions
Section II addresses the following methods that EPA and DOE employ to monitor appropriate use of
the ENERGY STAR name and logos and discusses the actions the agencies undertake when
violations occur:
• Monitoring print advertisements, the Internet and domain names, and print article content, as
well as responding to potential trademark infringements raised by third parties
• Assessing in-store use of the ENERGY STAR name and marks on products, packaging, and
signage at retail locations
Section III addresses the methods that EPA and DOE undertake to qualify products and homes and
verify energy performance, as well as the process EPA and DOE employ for handling mislabeled
products. These include:
• Providing clear performance requirements
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• Requiring manufacturers to report testing results in order to qualify for the ENERGY STAR
label
• Auditing compliance through EPA verification testing, third-party certification testing, and
quality assurance testing for lighting products
• Following an established response protocol in addressing product mislabeling
Section IV addresses the efforts and key findings of EPA efforts to assess the consumer experience
with and perceptions of ENERGY STAR, including the following:
• An annual assessment of the household recognition of, understanding of, use of, and loyalty to
ENERGY STAR labeled products and homes
• A semi-annual evaluation of sales staff knowledge and use of ENERGY STAR messaging in
retail settings
Section V discusses the program's procedures for introducing new products and services, as well as
the process for revising ENERGY STAR specifications to ensure that they remain meaningful in the
marketplace. In addition, detailed charts are provided for the following:
• Consistency Review of ENERGY STAR products against the program criteria
• Revisions to product specifications to date
• Revisions to homes specifications to date
• Specifications currently being revised or assessed for potential ENERGY STAR label eligibility
Section VI discusses the procedures EPA and DOE undertake to ensure compliance with market
share data submission requirements, which vary by partner type. Information is provided for the
following:
• Manufacturer shipment data
• Retailer sales data
In sum, EPA and DOE undertake substantial efforts not only to monitor the application and use of the
ENERGY STAR trademark but to ensure that ENERGY STAR delivers the energy and environmental
savings inherent in the ENERGY STAR brand promise. Consistently presenting the meaning and
benefits of ENERGY STAR maintains and builds its value and immeasurably benefits all. Americans,
with the help of ENERGY STAR, prevented 40 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in
2007 alone—equivalent to the annual emissions from 27 million vehicles—and saved about $16 billion
on their energy bills. Savings are on track to nearly double in 10 years as more households,
businesses, and organizations rely on ENERGY STAR for guidance in investing in energy-efficient
products and practices. Additional information on program benefits can be found in the ENERGY
STAR Overview of 2007 Achievements available at energystar.gov/publications.
New elements addressed in this report include:
• Expanded discussion on how EPA verifies energy performance through its Compliance Audit
Program, which includes EPA verification testing, third-party testing, and quality assurance
testing for lighting products (Section III).
• Expanded discussion of the criteria that EPA and DOE use to ensure consistency when
selecting products that can earn the ENERGY STAR (Section V).
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Section I. Overview of ENERGY STAR program and
trademarks
To fully appreciate the value of ENERGY STAR, it is essential to understand the statutory basis and
history of the ENERGY STAR program, its registered trademarks and brand evolution, the methods
that EPA and DOE use to maintain trademark protection and program integrity, and the scope and
nature of current licensing agreements that allow others to use the ENERGY STAR name and logos
under certain conditions. EPA established the ENERGY STAR program in 1992 under the authority of
the Clean Air Act, Section 103(g), among others. To date, the ENERGY STAR program has active
licensing agreements with multiple foreign governments and more than 12,000 private and public
sector organizations.
A. Program background
The ENERGY STAR program was established by EPA in 1992, under the authority of the Clean Air
Act Section 103(g), which directs the Administrator to "conduct a basic engineering research and
technology program to develop, evaluate, and demonstrate non-regulatory strategies and
technologies for reducing air pollution." The section also calls on the Administrator to provide
opportunities for industry, public interest groups, scientists, and other interested persons to participate
in strategy development. It further directs EPA to include as elements of the program improvements in
non-regulatory strategies and technologies for preventing or reducing multiple pollutants including
carbon dioxide. The ENERGY STAR program is one component of the Administrator's response.
ENERGY STAR is a voluntary, public-private partnership designed to reduce energy use, greenhouse
gas emissions, and related air pollution.
The ENERGY STAR label was first introduced to identify energy-efficient computers but has since
grown to distinguish other energy-efficient products across more than 50 categories. Since 1996, EPA
has collaborated with DOE based on a Memorandum of Cooperation between the two agencies,
which gives DOE responsibility for some product categories, as shown in Table 1. In addition, EPA
developed criteria to allow the label to be used on energy-efficient new homes in 1995, energy-
efficient commercial buildings in 1999, and energy-efficient industrial plants in 2006. In 2005,
Congress enacted the Energy Policy Act. Section 131 of the Act amends Section 324 (42 USC 6294)
of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and requires, among other provisions, that the
Administrator of EPA and the Secretary of DOE work jointly 1) to promote ENERGY STAR-compliant
technologies as the preferred technologies in the marketplace for achieving energy efficiency and
reducing pollution; 2) to enhance public awareness of the ENERGY STAR label; 3) to preserve the
integrity of the ENERGY STAR label; 4) to regularly update ENERGY STAR products criteria; and 5)
to solicit comments from interested parties prior to establishing or revising an ENERGY STAR product
category, specification, or criterion.
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B. ENERGY STAR brand and marks
ENERGY STAR is more than a label awarded for energy efficiency. It is a partnership among
government, business, and consumers, united in the pursuit of a common goal—to protect our
environment for future generations. Since the inception of this program, key principles have been
employed to position ENERGY STAR to be broadly appealing to the above partnerships. Key
principles of the ENERGY STAR brand and attributes of the products that earn the ENERGY STAR
include:
• The products and services protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.
• The products provide a simple way for consumers to find and select energy-saving products
and practices.
• The products and services achieve superior energy efficiency without trade-offs in
performance or quality.
• The products and services offer energy savings with attractive paybacks if there are higher
initial first costs.
• Government backing of ENERGY STAR provides valuable, unbiased information to
consumers.
ENERGY STAR is a registered mark of EPA and is protected by federal trademark law as codified in
the Lanham Act, 15 USC Chapter 22. EPA first registered ENERGY STAR as a service mark in 1996
and as a certification mark in 1997, followed by additional registrations as new performance
specifications were developed to cover expanding program offerings and partnership needs.
While the ENERGY STAR trademark was always protected by common law, a federal registration for
the mark served the following purposes:
• Constructive notice to the public of EPA's ownership claim to the mark.
• A legal presumption of EPA's ownership of the mark and exclusive right to use the mark
nationwide.
• The ability to file the U.S. registration with the U.S. Customs Service to prevent importation of
infringing foreign goods.
In 2002, the program undertook an extensive review and revision of the ENERGY STAR program
offerings, logos, and certification marks with the assistance of Interbrand, an international brand
consulting firm. Figure 1, an excerpt from the ENERGY STAR program identity guidelines, Using the
ENERGY STAR Identity to Maintain and Build Value, shows the marks that are currently in use and
their proper applications. The transition to this new set of marks was staged over a 4-year period and
was completed with the renewal of the EPA ENERGY STAR agreement with the European Union in
2006.
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Figure 1. Excerpt from Using the ENERGY STAR Identity to
Maintain and Build Value
THE ENERGY STAR MARKS
Promotional Maris
Use the Promotional Mark on any
materials that feature ENERGY
STAR such as brochures, media kits
and flyers, it is to be used in public
education campaigns on the
benefits of ENERGY STAR.
Certification Mark
Use the Certification Merk as a label
on products,homes, and buildings
that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR
performance guidelines.
See special applications:
• Insulation (pages 9.2-9J);
» HVAC [pages 6.G-&7).
Linkage Phrase Mark
Use the Linkage Phrase Mark in
marketing materials, such as ads
and circulars, to show that e
company sells either ENERGY STAR
qualified products orservicesthat
can deliver ENERGY STAR
performance levels.
Partnership Marks
Use the Partnership Mark to promote
an organization's commitment to and
partnership in the ENERGY STAR
Program.
in
Prafarred
Optional
^~asxaboutI
rM ENERGY
Prwforrnd
In addition, EPA protects against the unauthorized use of the term "ENERGY STAR" as part of a
domain name and considers such use to be an infringement of trademark rights under the Lanham
Act, including the Anti-Cybersquatting Protection Act (ACPA), at 15 USC 1125(d). Furthermore, the
term "ENERGY STAR" as part of a domain name is protected from unauthorized use by the Uniform
Dispute Resolution Policy that is incorporated into each domain name's registration agreement.
In June 2007, Interbrand released a report on the ENERGY STAR brand which focused on the art and
science of branding, the core principles of the ENERGY STAR brand, the evolution of the ENERGY
STAR brand, future opportunities and challenges for the brand, and ways to ensure future success of
the brand. According to this report, "ENERGY STAR has grown into a well-recognized consumer
brand, the result of well-crafted strategies, market-defined insights, and a perseverance to always
improve on the past." In addition, the report noted that,". . . EPA has put the brand management tools
and standards in place to manage the brand for continued success."
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C. Maintaining trademark protection and program integrity
In order to maintain the full protection of trademark and other applicable laws, EPA and DOE ensure
quality control over the products and services on which the marks are used and the meeting of
performance specifications for certification. EPA and DOE work to monitor and stop unauthorized or
confusing use of the marks. The following are ways in which EPA and DOE establish and maintain
control over the use of the mark:
• By entering into Partnership Agreements with product manufacturers, retailers, energy
efficiency program administrators, builders, and others, which specifically outline the terms
and conditions for using the ENERGY STAR name and marks
• By issuing ENERGY STAR program identity guidelines to program partners and third parties to
ensure proper use of the logo (ENERGY STAR logo use and identity guidelines can be
downloaded directly from the following URL:
www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/logos/downloads/BrandBook508r.pdf)
• By monitoring the use of the name and marks in trade media, advertisements, the Internet,
and stores
• By responding when consumers, competitors, program partners, and others bring possible
trademark infringements to the attention of EPA or DOE
• By auditing compliance through product testing
• By requiring product manufacturers to report qualification test results, which are reviewed and
approved or disapproved
• By assessing consumer experience with and perceptions of ENERGY STAR when purchasing
or shopping for qualified products and services
• By updating performance specifications as needed (e.g., when high levels of market
penetration are reached; underlying reference standards are revised; or there are substantial
changes in technology, features, and functionality, etc.) to ensure that the ENERGY STAR
designation remains meaningful in the marketplace
Additionally, professional services monitor the filing or publication of applications at the U.S. Patent
and Trade Office and provide oversight and legal protection for some ENERGY STAR qualified
products that are covered by National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) and the Federal
Trade Commission (FTC) Energy Guide Labeling requirements.
In general, once a possible infringement of EPA's trademark is identified (an improper use or an
unauthorized use), EPA or DOE sends a letter notifying the company of its potential infringement on
the ENERGY STAR mark. The letter identifies EPA's rights to the mark, provides any documentation
to evidence those rights, and informs the company that EPA views the company's use as an
infringement of EPA's mark. The initial letter sent, especially to a program partner, typically has the
tone of a "friendly reminder." However, if the potential infringer does not comply with the request, EPA
sends a "cease-and-desist" letter containing a more stern warning that the company's use is
considered an infringement of EPA's rights and steps will be taken to prevent further unauthorized use
of the mark. EPA's Office of General Counsel (OGC) works with the program on such letters.
Additional details about procedures undertaken to address improper or unauthorized use of the
ENERGY STAR name and mark for specific infringements are provided in Section III C.
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D. Current licensing agreements governing the use of ENERGY STAR
Since the program's inception in 1992, collaboration and partnership have been key program design
strategies and cornerstones of success. Partners help promote energy-efficient products and homes
by labeling qualified models with the ENERGY STAR and/or educating consumers about their
benefits. ENERGY STAR solutions have been developed to work within existing market channels in
key sectors. These solutions are based on years of experience in understanding market complexities,
identifying barriers to energy efficiency, and developing strategies to overcome these barriers. To
ensure that the ENERGY STAR name and logo are properly used by all market actors, EPA has
currently licensed the use of the ENERGY STAR logo to DOE, multiple foreign governments, and
more than 12,000 private and public sector organizations, as summarized below.
DOE Memorandum of Cooperation
In 1996, EPA and DOE entered into a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) to accelerate market
acceptance of highly efficient building technologies through voluntary public/private partnerships.
Through this agreement, EPA allows DOE to use the ENERGY STAR name and logo to promote
certain energy-efficient appliances and windows. In the agreement, EPA retains ownership of the
ENERGY STAR name and logo, with both agencies agreeing to oversee and ensure "proper use of
the ENERGY STAR logo by its partners, consistent with the requirements of 15 USC Chapter 22,
various state laws on trademarks, and this MOC." Table 1 below and on the following pages shows
the agency lead for each product.
Table 1. Federal Management of ENERGY STAR Qualified Products by Category1
Product Category
EPA Managed Products
DOE Managed Products
Appliances
Dehumidifiers
Room air cleaners
Clothes washers*
Dishwashers*
Refrigerators and freezers*
Room air conditioners*
Heating and
Cooling
Boilers*
Ceiling fans
Central air conditioners and air source
heat pumps*
Furnaces*
Geothermal heat pumps*
Light commercial heating, ventilation,
and air conditioning (HVAC)*
Programmable thermostats
Ventilating fans
Home Electronics
Battery charging systems
Cordless phones
Combination units
Digital to Analog (DTA) Converters
1 Throughout the report, products are assigned to only one product category to avoid duplicative information.
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Product Category
EPA Managed Products
DOE Managed Products
DVD products
External power adapters
Home audio
Televisions
VCRs
Home Envelope
Insulation and air sealing (home
sealing)
Roof products
Windows, doors, and skylights**
Lighting
Decorative Light Strings
Exit signs* (suspended 5/08)
RLFs
Traffic signals* (suspended 5/07)
CFLs***
Office Equipment
Computers
Copiers
Digital Duplicators
Fax machines
Mailing machines
Monitors
Multi-function devices
Printers
Scanners
Commercial Food
Commercial dishwashers
Service
Commercial fryers
Commercial hot food holding cabinets
Commercial ice machines
Commercial solid door refrigerators
and freezers
Commercial steam cookers
Other
Transformers* (suspended 5/07)
Vending machines
Water coolers
indicates products where federal standards are also in effect.
**The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) has been adopted by most jurisdictions within the United States and
prescribes energy performance standards for windows, doors, and skylights.
*** CFL federal standard was established through the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005).
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International agreements with EPA governing use of ENERGY STAR
EPA has entered into a number of agreements with foreign governments allowing them to use the
ENERGY STAR name and logo to designate energy-efficient products and educate consumers about
energy-efficient options in their respective countries. Table 2 on the following page provides
information about these agreements, including products covered.
Partnership Agreement requirements by partner and category
As of 2007, more than 12,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners, committed to improving
and promoting energy efficiency for products, homes, and businesses. These partners include 2,000
manufacturers; 1,000 retailers; 5,000 building partners; 550 utilities, states, and other
energy efficiency program administrators; and hundreds of energy service providers and financial
lenders. Major requirements by Partnership Agreement are shown in Table 3.
Each partner is also encouraged to undertake additional voluntary activities to receive special
distinction. Additional voluntary activities generally fall into one of the following categories:
• Equipment and building improvements such as considering energy efficiency
improvements in company facilities, pursuing the ENERGY STAR label for buildings,
purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified products or revising company purchasing or
procurement specifications to include ENERGY STAR, and ensuring the power management
feature is enabled on all ENERGY STAR qualified monitors and computers in company
facilities.
• Employee awareness improvements such as educating employees about ENERGY STAR
and featuring information about ENERGY STAR on partner Web sites and in other promotional
materials.
• Provision of written updates to EPA and DOE on efforts undertaken to increase availability
of ENERGY STAR qualified products and/or to promote awareness of ENERGY STAR and its
message.
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Table 2. International Agreements by Country
Country
Type of
Agreement
Foreign Signature
Date Signed
Products Covered
Australia
Exchange of letters
Sustainable Energy
Development Authority (SEDA)
November 14,
1996; Expansion
letter April 7, 1999
Computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers,
televisions and VCRs
Exchange of letters
Australian Greenhouse Office
May 7, 2001;
expansion letter
from EPA
September 6,
2002
Computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers,
televisions, VCRs, telephony, set-top boxes, HVAC
equipment, RLFs, exit signs, traffic signals, dehumidifiers,
water coolers, commercial solid door refrigerators and
freezers, roof products, transformers. The letter left open
the opportunity for further expansion to subcategories of
products found only in the Australian market, assuming
resultant specification levels conform to ENERGY STAR
principles.
New Zealand
Letter of Intent
(voluntary, non-
binding)
New Zealand Energy Efficiency
and Conservation Authority
(EECA)
February/March
1997
Computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers
Exchange of letters to
expand agreement
EECA
May 2004
Televisions, VCRs, DVDs, home audio, set-top boxes,
central air conditioners, air source heat pumps,
programmable thermostats, RLFs, home sealing and
insulation products
European Union
Agreement (formal)
Commission of European
Communities
December 19,
2000
Renewed
September 2006
Computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers,
scanners, multi-function devices
Japan
Letter of Intent
(voluntary, non-
binding)
Ministry of International Trade
and Industry (MITI), Agency of
Natural Resources and Energy
July 18, 1995 (by
EPA) September
14, 1995 (by
MITI); expansion
letter February 9,
1999
Computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers;
expanded to include scanners and multi-function devices
Taiwan
Exchange of letters
Taipei Economic and Cultural
Representative in the United
States (TECRO)
July 8, 1999
Computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers,
scanners, multi-function devices
13
-------
Country
Type of
Agreement
Foreign Signature
Date Signed
Products Covered
Canada
Exchange of letters
Natural Resources Canada
(NRCan)
May 2, 2001 by
EPA/DOE; May
29,2001 by
NRCan
Computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers,
scanners, multi-function devices, televisions, VCRs, exit
signs (suspended), central air conditioners, air source
heat pumps, dehumidifiers, programmable thermostats,
water coolers, dishwashers, clothes washers,
refrigerator/freezers, room air conditioners, CFLs
Exchange of letters to
expand agreement
May 2003
Ground source heat pumps, ventilating fans, ceiling fans,
traffic signals (suspended), CFLs, cordless phones, set-
top boxes, transformers, and commercial solid door
refrigerators and freezers
Exchange of letters to
expand agreement
December 2004
New homes
Exchange of letters to
amend agreement
March 2008
Light commercial HVAC, commercial cooking products,
air cleaners, oil furnaces, external power adaptors, digital
TV adaptors, RLFs, decorative light strings.
Products removed: exit signs, distribution transformers.
European Free
Trade
Association
(EFTA)-Norway,
Iceland and
Lichtenstein
Exchange of letters
Norway Ministry of Petroleum
and Energy; Iceland Ministry of
Industry; Lichtenstein Office of
Economic Affairs
August 31, 2004
Computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers,
scanners, multi-function devices
14
-------
Table 3. Partnership Agreement Requirements by Partner and Category
Provide
unit
Provide at
Provide
shipment
least one
qualified
or sales
Comply
with
current
Comply
with
current
product
(within
one year
unless
Label
product
product
list
(annually
unless
data or
equivalent
(annually
unless
Product category
eligibility
criteria
identity
guidelines
otherwise
noted)
Label
product
packaging
or insert
otherwise
noted)
otherwise
noted)
Special
Requirements
MANUFACTURERS
Appliances
Clothes
washers
X
X
X
X
X
X
Dehumidifiers
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Dishwashers
X
X
X
X
X
X
Refrigerators
and freezers
X
X
X
X
X
X
Room air
conditioners
X
X
X
X
X
X
Agree not to use
quotes or
statements related
to indoor air quality
that misrepresent
the views of the
EPA Indoor
Environments
Room air
Division in public
cleaners
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
documents
Heating &
Boilers
X
X
X
X
X
X
Cooling
Ceiling fans
X
X
X
X
X
X
Central air
conditioners
Offer training to
and air source
distributors and/or
heat pumps
X
X
X
X
X
X
contractors
15
-------
Product category
Comply
with
current
eligibility
criteria
Comply
with
current
identity
guidelines
Provide at
least one
product
(within
one year
unless
otherwise
noted)
Label
product
Label
product
packaging
or insert
Provide
qualified
product
list
(annually
unless
otherwise
noted)
Provide
unit
shipment
or sales
data or
equivalent
(annually
unless
otherwise
noted)
Special
Requirements
Furnaces
X
X
X
X
X
X
Offer and encourage
training to
distributors and/or
contractors
Geothermal
heat pumps
X
X
X
X
X
X
Light
commercial
HVAC
X
X
X
X
X
X
Offer and encourage
training to
distributors and/or
contractors
Programmable
thermostats
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Participate in new
consumer education
campaign
Ventilating fans
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Home
Electronics
Battery
charging
systems
X
X
3 months
X
Semi-
annually
X
Cordless
phones
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Combination
units
X
X
2 years
X
X
X
X
Digital to
Analog (DTA)
converters
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DVD products
X
X
2 years
X
X
X
X
External power
adapters
X
X
3 months
X
Quarterly
X
Never label the
product on the unit
itself
Home audio
X
X
2 years
X
X
X
X
16
-------
Provide
unit
Provide at
Provide
shipment
Comply
with
current
Comply
with
current
least one
product
(within
one year
unless
Label
product
qualified
product
list
(annually
unless
or sales
data or
equivalent
(annually
unless
Product category
eligibility
criteria
identity
guidelines
otherwise
noted)
Label
product
packaging
or insert
otherwise
noted)
otherwise
noted)
Special
Requirements
6 months
Televisions
X
X
(Nov 08)
X
X
X
X
VCRs
X
X
2 years
X
X
X
X
Home
Before
Envelope
Insulation
products
X
Special
Application
partnership
is activated
X
X
Include special text
in product literature
and provide EPA
with test data to
Roof products
X
X
X
X
X
X
certify the product
has met the required
performance
characteristics
Provide a QPI form
Windows,
Before
with DOE signature
to be listed as an
doors, and
partnership
ENERGY STAR
skylights
X
X
is activated
X
X
partner
Lighting
Compact
fluorescent
Provide accredited
lab test data to DOE
for specific model
and product
lamps
X
X
X
X
Quarterly
Bi-annually
packaging samples
Provide ENERGY
STAR training to all
sales staff and
Decorative light
provide EPA with
test data for all
strings
X
X
X
X
X
X
models/families
17
-------
Provide
unit
Provide at
Provide
shipment
least one
qualified
or sales
Comply
with
current
Comply
with
current
product
(within
one year
unless
Label
product
product
list
(annually
unless
data or
equivalent
(annually
unless
Product category
eligibility
criteria
identity
guidelines
otherwise
noted)
Label
product
packaging
or insert
otherwise
noted)
otherwise
noted)
Special
Requirements
Exit signs
Suspended May 1,2008
Provide ENERGY
STAR training to all
sales staff and
provide EPA with
test data for all
RLFs
X
X
X
X
X
X
models/ families
Traffic signals
Suspended May 1,2007
Office
Provide special text
Equipment
Computers
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
inside user manual
Copiers
X
X
6 months
X
X
X
X
Digital
Duplicators
X
X
6 months
X
X
X
X
Fax Machines
X
X
6 months
X
X
X
X
Mailing
Machines
X
X
6 months
X
X
X
X
Monitors
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Multi-function
devices
X
X
6 months
X
X
X
X
Printers
X
X
6 months
X
X
X
X
Scanners
X
X
6 months
X
X
X
X
Commercial
Commercial
Food
dishwashers
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Service
Commercial
fryers
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Commercial hot
food holding
cabinets
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
18
-------
Product category
Comply
with
current
eligibility
criteria
Comply
with
current
identity
guidelines
Provide at
least one
product
(within
one year
unless
otherwise
noted)
Label
product
Label
product
packaging
or insert
Provide
qualified
product
list
(annually
unless
otherwise
noted)
Provide
unit
shipment
or sales
data or
equivalent
(annually
unless
otherwise
noted)
Special
Requirements
Commercial ice
makers
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Commercial
solid door
refrigerators
and freezers
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Commercial
steam cookers
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Other
Transformers
Suspended May 1,2007
Vending
machines
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Water coolers
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Retailers
X
Check on a
regular
basis
Quarterly
(for retailers of clothes
washers, dehumidifiers,
dishwashers, room AC,
and refrigerators)
Submit a program
plan within 2
months; submit
marketing materials
to review for
accuracy; promote
ENERGY STAR in
partner materials
and on partner Web
site
Energy Efficiency Program
Sponsors
X
Submit a program
plan
19
-------
Comply with
current
eligibility
criteria
Comply
with
current
identity
guidelines
Qualify or
evaluate at
least 1
home in
12 months
Label
home
Submit marketing
materials to EPA for
review
Provide market
indicators
Special
Requirements
HOME PERFORMANCE
Energy Efficiency
Program Sponsors
X
X
After 2
years, must
evaluate 50
homes per
year
X
Quarterly
Submit program plan
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Home Sealing
(Recommended D-l-Y or
contractor process)
X
Special
Application
X
Retailers that
promote home
sealing provide
indicators; in-
store sampling;
and support
contractors
provide
additional
information.
HOMES
Comply with
current
eligibility
criteria
Comply
with
current
identity
guidelines
Qualify or
evaluate at
least 1
home in
12 months
Label
home
Submit marketing
materials to EPA for
review
Provide market
indicators
Special
Requirements
Builders
X
X
X
X
Lenders
X
X
3
mortgages
per year
Efficiency Program
Sponsors
X
X
Submit program plan
within 3 months
Home Energy Raters and
Providers
X
X
X
X
X
(homes qualified)
For details on special applications, refer to the ENERGY STAR program identity guidelines, Using the ENERGY STAR Identity to Maintain
and Build Value.
X
20
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Section II. Monitoring and ensuring appropriate use of
ENERGY STAR
To ensure that the ENERGY STAR name and logos are used appropriately in the marketplace, EPA
and DOE undertake the following activities:
• Monitoring the use of the ENERGY STAR name and marks in trade media, advertisements,
and on Web sites, and responding when consumers, competitors, program partners, and
others bring possible trademark infringements to the attention of EPA or DOE
• Assessing in-store use of the ENERGY STAR name and marks on products, packaging, and
signage at retail locations
EPA and DOE maintain formal protocols for dealing with potential trademark infringements and label
misuse, which are actively pursued until issues are resolved. As shown in Table 4, trademark
violations as a percent of total companies advertising in print is negligible—estimated at less than 1
percent of advertisers in 2007 (0.66 percent)—and misuse as a percent of total advertising volume is
also low—estimated at less than 2 percent of advertising volume in 2007 (1.35 percent). EPA and
DOE also receive quarterly reports from an Internet monitoring service that identifies company Web
sites with potential violations. Of the 824 sites with potential violations identified in 2007, less than 5
percent were estimated to contain trademark violations.
Direct input provided to EPA and DOE program staff is another channel for identifying potential
infringements. In September 2007, EPA added a "logo misuse" e-mail address to its Web site to
further track inappropriate uses of the ENERGY STAR logo from outside sources. Retail store level
assessments have also been an effective tool for monitoring logo use, improving qualified product
lists, and taking corrective action as needed. EPA also investigates complaints about ENERGY STAR
qualified products reported to the ENERGY STAR Hotline.
A. Monitoring use and responding to possible misuse of ENERGY
STAR in advertisements and on the Internet
EPA undertakes the following activities to track the use of the ENERGY STAR name and logo and to
help maintain the value of the ENERGY STAR program:
• Monitoring print advertisements monthly
• Tracking Internet and domain name use quarterly
• Responding to potential trademark infringements raised by consumers and third parties
• Monitoring daily media
If EPA or DOE identifies activities that are inconsistent with the ENERGY STAR program identity
guidelines and/or that may be perceived as misleading to consumers, the appropriate program
manager takes action to resolve the situation. The type of action depends on the nature of the
instance and the type of organization involved. Examples of actions taken may include the following:
• Contacting companies that misuse the logo or program name. Regardless of how the
violation is reported, EPA and/or DOE contact those companies with confirmed name or logo
21
-------
misuses by letter, e-mail, or phone depending on the nature of the violation and the history of
prior contacts with the company. All correspondence with the company is tracked in an internal
database allowing the program to monitor recurring violations as well as their resolution.
• Terminating partnership and/or taking legal action. If a company refuses to comply after
several attempts to resolve a situation and EPA's Office of General Counsel has reviewed the
matter, EPA or DOE can notify a company that its partnership has been terminated. As most
companies are cooperative, this level of action is extremely rare.
Monitoring print advertisements monthly
EPA works with a national print monitoring service to monitor more than 18,000 newspapers,
magazines, and trade journals for use of the ENERGY STAR marks. All advertisements received are
reviewed for consistency with the ENERGY STAR program identity guidelines, Using the ENERGY
STAR Identity to Maintain and Build Value. Advertisements using the marks in a manner inconsistent
with the identity guidelines (e.g., use of the partner mark by a non-partner or use of the certification
mark with a product or service that has not earned the ENERGY STAR) are individually reviewed and
reported to the appropriate EPA and DOE program managers for follow-up action. This action typically
involves calling the organization that placed the advertisement and following up with a letter formally
informing the advertiser of EPA and DOE concerns and the requested change. EPA continues to
monitor print advertisements in subsequent months to ensure corrective action by the advertiser. EPA
and DOE program managers also individually review and address minor alterations or outdated
applications of the ENERGY STAR mark.
As shown in Table 4, trademark violations as a percent of total companies advertising in print is
negligible—estimated at less than 1 percent of advertisers in 2007 (0.66 percent)—and misuse as a
percent of total advertising volume is also low—estimated at less than 2 percent of advertising volume
in 2007 (1.35 percent).
The most frequently occurring type of trademark violation in print advertisements is the following:
• Unauthorized use of an ENERGY STAR mark (e.g., use of the ENERGY STAR partner mark
by a non-partner)
Other trademark violations that occur include the following:
• Use of the logo with a product or service that is not ENERGY STAR qualified
• Endorsement use (e.g., implying that EPA, DOE, or the ENERGY STAR program endorses
the product or service advertised)
• Use of logo in name (e.g., ENERGY STAR in company, product, or service name)
In addition to the trademark violations, the most frequently occurring logo misapplication in print
advertisements is the following:
• Use of an outdated form of the ENERGY STAR mark
Other misapplications that occur include the following:
• Use of ENERGY STAR mark without direct association with a qualified product
• Alteration of the ENERGY STAR mark
22
-------
Monitoring Internet and domain name use quarterly
Consumers increasingly use the Internet as a source of information when researching products and
services. As such, EPA has a responsibility to ensure that ENERGY STAR information on the Internet
remains accurate and credible. EPA identifies and addresses information on the Internet involving 1)
false statements about the qualified status of a product or service, and/or 2) the use of the ENERGY
STAR name or logo to imply EPA or DOE endorsement of a product or service. To do so, each
quarter EPA works with a leading Internet monitoring service to search the Internet for ENERGY
STAR logo use and domain names that include ENERGY STAR. As part of this process, the
monitoring service provides a list of Web sites that appear to be misusing the logo or have ENERGY
STAR in their domain name. (EPA has granted permission to some public entities and state energy
efficiency program administrators to use ENERGY STAR as part of their program or domain name
with signed agreements to this effect.)
Web sites that are potentially using the logo or the ENERGY STAR name in a manner inconsistent
with the ENERGY STAR program identity guidelines are individually reviewed. When instances of
inconsistencies are confirmed, the Web site is referred to the appropriate program managers for
follow-up action. EPA also reviews the Web sites of major product retailers to gauge the quality and
use of ENERGY STAR information on their Web sites.
As shown in Table 4, quarterly reports from an Internet monitoring service identified 824 company
Web sites with potential violations in 2007. After a closer review of these 824 sites, less than 5
percent were found to contain trademark violations and all of these were addressed.
In addition, direct input provided to EPA and DOE program staff and the public is another channel for
identifying potential infringements. In 2007, EPA and DOE received approximately 60 reports of logo
misuse compared to 30 reports in 2006. Of these reported instances, 45 were found to be violations in
2007 and 16 were found to be violations in 2006.2
Responding to potential trademark infringements and other complaints raised by consumers
and third parties
The success of ENERGY STAR depends heavily on high quality performance and customer
satisfaction with ENERGY STAR qualified products and services. To maintain customer satisfaction,
EPA and DOE must respond to customer, partner, and stakeholder concerns in a timely manner. The
program's toll-free hotline is one channel for receiving this type of feedback. Direct input provided to
EPA and DOE program staff is another channel. In 2007, EPA and DOE received approximately
60 e-mails regarding logo misuse. By responding to inquiries from consumers, competitors, and other
interested stakeholders, EPA and DOE ensure that the program name and logo are used fairly and
consistently in the marketplace. The protocol for responding to consumer and third party inquiries
involves referring the incident to the appropriate EPA or DOE program managers, contacting the
company about the potential infringement and taking appropriate follow-up action, and notifying the
third party about the actions taken and resolution of the concern. In the case of a mislabeled product,
EPA and DOE follow an established response protocol as described in Section INC.
EPA also thoroughly investigates each complaint about qualified products and services received
through the ENERGY STAR Hotline. In 2007, 114 complaints were received, about half concerned
CFLs. In the case of CFLs, complaints were typically for early failure or some type of defect (humming
2 EPA Office of Air and Radiation, Climate Protection Partnerships Division.
23
-------
or slow start time). The response to these CFL complaints is to request additional information about
the type of light fixture used, the circumstances, and the model and brand information. Many of the
complaints are the result of using a regular CFL in a fixture with special features, such as a dimmer.
This information, obtained through the hotline, helps to inform marketing efforts, such as creating
specific frequently asked questions for the use of CFLs.
Table 4. Logo Violations and Other Misapplications of the ENERGY STAR Mark 2006 - 2007
20
06
2007
Print Advertisement Results by Number of Companies
Companies
%
Companies
%
Proper Use
8,739
91.32%
8,865
93.67%
Total Misapplication
792
8.28%
537
5.67%
Minor Alteration
187
1.95%
113
1.19%
Use of Outdated mark
575
6.01%
418
4.42%
Use without Direct Association
30
0.31%
6
0.06%
Total Violations
39
0.41%
62
0.66%
Use of Logo in Name
0
0.00%
0
0.00%
Unauthorized Use
31
0.32%
51
0.54%
Endorsement Use
0
0.00%
0
0.00%
Use with a Product or Service that is not qualified
8
0.08%
11
0.12%
Total companies advertising
9,570
9,464
Print Advertisement Results by Clip Volume
Clips
%
Clips
%
Clips with misapplications or violations
3,221
2.40%
1,637
1.35%
Total number of advertisements monitored
133,948
121,260
Results from Quarterly Internet Monitoring
Companies
%
Companies
%
Proper Use
654
63.87%
624
71.40%
Total Misapplication
343
33.50%
213
24.37%
Total Violations
27
2.64%
37
4.23%
Total Companies Monitored for Potential Violations Online
1,024
874
Results from Logo Misuse Email, Program Staff, and
Store Assessments
Companies
Companies
Violations Received from Logo Misuse Email and Program Staff
16
45
Source: EPA Office of Air and Radiation, Climate Protection Partnerships Division. Note since 2002, based on the large
volume and costs associated with data collection and assessment, EPA reduced collection of print advertising clips to 8 of
the 12 months; therefore the values of print advertisement results in Table 4 for 2006 and 2007 are based on 8 months of
data.
24
-------
Monitoring daily media
To understand and manage how ENERGY STAR qualified products and services are portrayed by the
media to the general public, EPA monitors print articles and analyzes messaging trends over time.
Due to the wide range of market actors independently disseminating information about ENERGY
STAR, this process is critical, as it helps EPA and DOE ensure that program messaging remains
consistent, accurate, and credible regardless of its source. To this end, during the first three quarters
of 2007 more than 18,000 newspapers, magazines, and trade journals were monitored for articles that
mentioned ENERGY STAR each month through a national media monitoring service. Beginning in
October 2007, EPA switched to a national online media monitoring service, and the process was
revised to incorporate limited online and broadcast media monitoring. On a daily basis print, online,
and broadcast placements are posted to a Web-based portal for review. For selected months, EPA
conducts a detailed messaging analysis and assesses trends across article content and distribution.
Any instances of inaccurate or potentially misleading information are reported to the appropriate
program managers for follow-up action as needed.
B. Assessing in-store use of ENERGY STAR
To maintain the value of the ENERGY STAR program, EPA and DOE need to ensure that qualified
products are presented properly in the retail channel. To do so, EPA conducts semi-annual quality
assurance reviews, referred to as retail store level assessments, at select retailers in 10
geographically diverse metropolitan areas. Since 2001, EPA has conducted 11 rounds of quality
assurance reviews, in 12 unique stores, covering 16 products: appliances (dishwashers, clothes
washers, refrigerators, room air conditioners, room air cleaners, and dehumidifiers), home electronics
(TVs and DVD players), CFLs, residential lighting fixtures (exterior fixtures, interior fixtures, table/floor
lamps, ceiling fans, and ceiling fan lighting kits), programmable thermostats, and insulation. Each
assessment focuses primarily on seasonal products with the selected retailers varying each round.
The quality assurance reviews examine three distinct in-store efforts:
• ENERGY STAR qualified products on store shelves
• The presence and quality of display materials that showcase the ENERGY STAR name and/or
logo
• Sales staff knowledge and use of ENERGY STAR information in assisting customers
Table 5, below, shows the products that have been assessed over 11 rounds of store-level
assessments.
25
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Table 5. Products Covered by Retail Store Level Assessment
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Round 5
Round 6
Round 7
Round 8
Round 9
Round 10
Round 11
Total
Assessments
Fall '01
(Nov)
Spring '02
(June)
Spring '03
(April)
Fall '03
(Oct/Nov)
Fall '04
(Oct/Nov)
Summer '05
(Jul/Aug)
Fall '05
(Oct/Nov)
Spring '06
(June)
Fall '06
(Oct/Nov)
Spring '07
(May/June)
Fall '07
(Oct/Nov)
Products
Ceiling fans
No
Yes*
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
5
Compact
fluorescent lamps
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
10
Residential
lighting fixtures**
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
10
DVD products
No
Yes
Yes***
Yes
Yes
No
Yes (PSI only)
No
No
No
No
5
Televisions
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes (PSI only)
No
No
SSE/DCI
Yes
7
Clothes washers
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
6
Dehumidifiers
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
4
Dishwashers
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes (No SSE)
No
No
No
Yes
No
5
Room air
conditioners
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
2
Refrigerators
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes (No SSE)
Yes
(8 markets)
No
Yes
No
No
5
Room air
cleaners
Yes (No SSE)
No
Yes (PSI only)
No
Yes
No
3
Programmable
thermostats
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
7
Insulation
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
DCI
4
SSE = Sales Staff Evaluation
PSI = Product Shelf Inventory
*For products, "Yes" indicates that sales staff evaluation (SSE), display check inventory (DCI), and product shelf inventory (PSI) were
performed for the given product (unless otherwise noted).
"""Includes interior/exterior fixtures, and table/floor lamps.
***ln Rounds 3 and 4, DVDs and TVs were assessed together for the SSE. In Rounds 1 and 2, they were assessed separately.
26
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Product shelf and display check inventory are two key components for properly assessing the retail
channel. Sales staff evaluation, also a key component to these assessments, will be discussed further
in Section IV, as it pertains more directly to evaluating the consumer experience with ENERGY STAR.
During assessments, if products are found labeled with the ENERGY STAR but are not on the
Qualified Product List, EPA follows an established response protocol discussed in Section NIC,
Product mislabeling protocol.
• Product shelf inventory (PSI). During the product shelf inventory, field personnel capture the
extent to which ENERGY STAR qualified products are stocked and examine how accurately
the ENERGY STAR logo is being used. Field personnel examine the brand, manufacturer, and
model number, as well as the type and location of the logo. This information is used to
determine whether products are labeled and/or mislabeled as ENERGY STAR and increase
the accuracy of the lists of qualified products on the ENERGY STAR Web site. Improperly
labeled products are referred to the appropriate program managers for follow-up action. In
2007, more than 44,000 products were reviewed and 29 violations were found.
• Display check inventory (DCI). The display check inventory involves assessing the presence
and quality of display materials that showcase the ENERGY STAR name and/or logo.
Photographic documentation of materials is gathered if the store has granted permission for
photography. Since 2001, field personnel have observed and taken pictures of more than
2,500 pieces of ENERGY STAR focused collateral and display/signage featuring an ENERGY
STAR mark. These pieces are compared for consistency with brand messaging and the
ENERGY STAR identity guidelines, Using the ENERGY STAR Identity to Maintain and Build
Value. Any potential misuse of the logo is referred to the appropriate program managers for
follow-up action.
27
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Section III. Verifying energy performance of ENERGY STAR
products and homes
The energy performance of products, homes, and buildings that meet ENERGY STAR qualifications
are certified in accordance with the specifications and procedures outlined in respective Partnership
Agreements. Procedures for ensuring that Home Performance programs meet ENERGY STAR quality
assurance requirements are similarly outlined in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR
Sponsor Guide. Mislabeling a product, home, building, or service as ENERGY STAR is a violation of
trademark law (15 USC Chapter 22), as discussed previously.
EPA and DOE ensure that products meet ENERGY STAR specifications through the following
activities:
• Providing clear performance requirements
• Requiring manufacturers to report test results in order to qualify for the ENERGY STAR
• Auditing compliance
o EPA verification testing
o Third-party certification testing
o Quality assurance testing for lighting products
• Providing clear protocol for mislabeling of products
• Requiring home builders to have homes inspected and verified by a qualified home energy
rater
A. Qualification testing for products
Qualification testing requirements for products
For products currently labeled as ENERGY STAR, manufacturers are required to report qualification
test results to EPA or DOE, which are reviewed and approved or disapproved. Table 6 shows current
testing requirements for ENERGY STAR qualified products as of January 1, 2008.
28
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Table 6. ENERGY STAR Product Qualification Testing Requirements
Produc
Category
Test Procedure
Test Results Reported
Appliances
Clothes washers
DOE test procedure defined in 10 CFR
430, Subpart B, Appendix J1
Minimum Modified Energy Factor, Water
Factor (gallons/cycle/ft3)
Dehumidifiers
ANSI/AHAM standard DH-1, clauses 4,
5, and 7 with watt-hour meter
Liters/kWh
Dishwashers
DOE test procedure defined in 10 CFR
430, Subpart B, Appendix C
Energy Factor (cycles/kWh)
Refrigerators and
freezers
DOE test procedure defined in 10 CFR
430, Subpart B, Appendices A1 and B1
Product Class, Adjusted Volume (fta),
Energy Use (kWh/year)
Room air
conditioners
DOE test procedure defined in 10 CFR
430, Subpart B, Appendix F
Product Class, Energy Efficiency Ratio
(EER), Capacity in Btu
Room air
cleaners
ANSI/AHAM AC-1
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), Standby
Power (if applicable, W), Ozone production
(if applicable, reported in ppb in accordance
with the UL Standard 867)
Heating and
Cooling
Boilers
DOE test procedure defined in 10 CFR
430; ANSI/ASHRAE standard 124-1991
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE),
or Combined Appliance Annual Fuel
Utilization Efficiency (CAafue)
Ceiling fans
ENERGY STAR specific testing
procedure
Laboratories that meet the guidelines
provided in EPA's ENERGY STAR
Testing Facility Guidance Manual and
have been approved to test for
ENERGY STAR qualification
For requirements specific to light kits:
refer to Third Party/Certified Lab
Requirement for residential lighting
fixtures (RLFs)
Airflow (CFM), Efficacy (CFM/W), Fan
Power Consumption (W)
For information specific to light kits: refer to
Test Results Reported for RLFs
Central air
conditioners &
air-source heat
pumps
ARI 210/240 and ARI 210/240-94
Use of the CEE Directory of ARI
Verified Equipment is encouraged
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER),
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor
(HSPF), EER
Furnaces
DOE test procedure defined in 10 CFR
430, Appendix N
AFUE rating
Geothermal heat
pumps
ISO 13256-1
Coefficient of Performance (COP), EER
Light commercial
HVAC
ARI 210/240 and 340/360
COP, EER, HSPF, Integrated Part-Load
Value (IPLV), SEER
Programmable
thermostats
ENERGY STAR specific testing
procedure
N/A; no measurable test results collected
(only general product details)
Ventilating fans
Test procedures 915, 916, 920 as
certified by HVI
Airflow (CFM), Efficacy (CFM/W), Motor
Power (W), Sound (sones)
Home
Electronics
Battery charging
systems
ENERGY STAR specific test procedure
Measured Battery Energy (Wh), Average
battery maintenance accumulated energy
over 36 hours (Wh),
Average standby accumulated energy over
12 hours (Wh), Total Non-active Energy,
Power Factor, Non-active Energy Ratio
Cordless phones
ENERGY STAR specific test procedure
Watts in Standby
Combination
units
ENERGY STAR specific test procedure
Watts in Standby
29
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Produc
Category
Test Procedure
Test Results Reported
Digital to Analog
(DTA) Converters
CEA-2022 and Annex A of CEA 2013-A
modified as noted in ENERGY STAR
specification for DTAs
Watts in Sleep Mode; Watts in On Mode;
Auto Power Down Features; and Default
Time for Auto Power Down
DVD products
ENERGY STAR specific test procedure
Watts in Standby
External power
adapters
Test Method for Calculating the Energy
Efficiency of Single-Voltage External
AC-DC and AC-AC Power Supplies
(Adopted by ENERGY STAR; funded by
CEC/PIER)
No-load power consumption (W) and
average active efficiency at 115V/60Hz and
230V/50Hz
Home audio
ENERGY STAR specific test procedure
Watts in Standby
Televisions
In version 3.0., televisions will make use
of I EC 62087 for active power and I EC
62301 for standby.
Watts in Standby
VCRs
ENERGY STAR specific test procedure
Watts in Standby
Home
Envelope
Insulation and air
sealing
(home sealing)
ASTM standards E779-87 and E1998-
99; CGSB standards 149 and 51.71-95;
ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54: Section H; and
ASHRAE 62-1999
N/A; EPA does not maintain a qualified
products list for this product category
Roof products
ASTM standards E 903, C 1549, E
1918, and G 7
Initial solar reflectance; Solar reflectance
after 3 years
Windows, doors,
and skylights
NFRC test procedures 100 and 200
Products must be rated, certified, and
labeled for both U-Factor (Btu/h.ft2.°F)
and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
(SHGC) in accordance with the
procedures of the NFRC
N/A; DOE maintains a manufacturer list for
this product category rather than a qualified
products list
Lighting
Compact
fluorescent lamps
(CFLs)
ANSI standards C78.901-2001, C78.5 -
1997, and C78.375 - 1997; ANSI/IEEE
standard C62.41 - 1991 (01-May-
1991); I ESN A LM-9- 1999, LM-40 -
2001, LM-65 - 2001, and LM-66-00 -
2000; CIE Publication No. 13.3 - 1995;
UL 1993; ANSI/IEEE C62.41 (01-May-
1991), Category A, 7 strikes; FCC 47
CFR including Part 2 (Equipment
Authorization) and Part 18 (Technical
Standards and Emission Limits) for
consumer RF Lighting Equipment limits
Qualified Product Information must be
completed by a NVLAP-affiliated
laboratory
Minimum Efficacy (Im/w), 1,000-hour
Lumen Maintenance (% of initial lamp
lumens), Color Rendering Index, Correlated
Color Temperature ( K), Lumen
Maintenance at 40 percent of rated life (%
of initial lamp lumens), Power Factor, Run-
up Time (sec), Starting Time (ms),
Transient Protection, Operating Frequency
(kHz), Electromagnetic Interference, Rapid
Cycle Stress Test, Interim Life Test,
Average Rated Lamp Life (hr), packaging
requirements including warranty, language,
starting temperature, FTC labeling
requirements, incompatibility with controls,
CFL/lncandescent Equivalency
30
-------
Produc
Category
Test Procedure
Test Results Reported
Decorative Light
Strings
ASTM G 154 - 05; CSA-22.2 No.37-
M1989 (R2004); CIE 84-1989; CIE 127-
1997; IESNA TM-16-05; UL 588-2004
Inspection (number of Lamps per string,
replaceable lamps, safety requirements,
rated for indoor or indoor/outdoor
applications, warranty); Electrical
requirements (input power shall not exceed
.20 watts, over-voltage); lifetime
requirements (maintained light output
strings must maintain 50-70%, failed lamps
should be no greater than 3%); Weathering
requirements (maintained light output, failed
lamps); Product packaging for consumer
awareness requirements (product
suitability, product description, correlated
color temperature for white-light strings).
RLFs
ANSI standards C82.2, C82.11,
C82.11b, C82.1, C78.5, C81.61,
C78.901-2001, and C78.81-2001;
IESNA standards LM-9, LM-66, LM-40-
01, LM-65-01, LM-9-99, LM-58, and
LM-16; I EC standards 60091, 60901,
60061-1, 60081, and 61347-2-3
Amendment 1 to Edition 1 2004-06; CIE
13.3; ANSI/UL 153; UL 1598; UL
1598B; ANSI/UL 935; UL 1993; NFPA
70; FCC 47 CFR Part 18.305 and
18.307; ASTM E283
Third-party certification requirements
vary based on eligibility criterion (e.g., in
a single submittal a partner might need
to seek an independent NVLAP
laboratory to test for fixture efficacy, but
would be able to self-declare noise
performance)
The following are reported unless the
partner uses either an "EPA approved
Platform Letter of Qualification" or an "EPA-
approved documentation from an industry
association" (either of these forms takes the
place of test documentation):*
System Efficacy (Ipw), Lamp Life (hr),
Lumen Maintenance (% of initial lamp
lumens), Lamp Color Rendering Index,
Lamp Correlated Color Temperature, Lamp
Start Time (ms), Power Factor, Lamp
Current Crest Factor, Maximum Measured
Ballast Case Temperature During Normal
Operation Inside Fixture ( C)**, Ballast
Frequency (kHz),
Transient Protection, End of Life Protection
Test reports may come from laboratories
accredited by NVFtLAP, NVLAP MRA
signatories, or ISO 9000 registered facilities
(varies by specific eligibility criterion)
** Maximum Measured Ballast Case
Temperature During Normal Operation
Inside Fixture is always reported for indoor
fixtures
Office
Equipment
Computers
ENERGY STAR specific test procedure
Watts in Idle State, Sleep Mode, and
Standby Level
Copiers,
Digital
Duplicators
ENERGY STAR specific test procedure
Watts in Low Power, Default Time to Low
Power (min), Recovery Time from Low
Power (sec), Watts in Off, Default Time to
Auto-off (min)
31
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Produc
Category
Test Procedure
Test Results Reported
Monitors
ENERGY STAR specific test procedure.
Incorporates the following references:
IEC 62301, Sections 3.2, 3.3; IEC 4.3.1;
VESA Flat Panel Display
Measurements (FPDM) Standard 2.0,
Sections 301-2, 301-3K, 302-1, and
305-3; VESA FPDM Standard 2.0,
Appendices A112-2F, A112-2H, A115,
and AT01P; VESA Standard - Display
Specifications and Measurement
Procedures, Version 1.0, Revision 1.0,
Section 8.1.3; European Norm 50301 -
BSI 03-2001, BS EN 50301:2001,
Methods of Measurement for the Power
Consumption of Audio, Video, and
Related Equipment, Annex A; and
VESA Video Signal Standard (VSIS),
Version 1.0, Rev. 2.0, December 2002
Watts in Active, Watts in Sleep, Watts in Off
Multi-function
devices,
Standard sized
Laserjet printers
ENERGY STAR specific test procedure
Watts in Low Power, Recovery Time from
Low Power (sec), Watts in Sleep, Default
Time to Sleep (min)
Ink Jet Printers,
Fax machines,
Mailing machines
ENERGY STAR specific test procedure
Watts in Sleep, Default Time to Sleep (min)
Scanners
ENERGY STAR specific test procedure
Watts in Sleep, Default Time to Sleep (min)
Commercial
Food
Service
Commercial
dishwashers
NSF/ANSI 3-2007; ASTM Standard F-
1696; ASTM Standard F1920
Water consumption, idle energy rate for hot
water and chemical sanitizing under-
counter and stationary rack single tank
door-type dishwashers, idle energy rate for
hot water and chemical sanitizing single
and multiple tank rack conveyor
dishwashers
Commercial
fryers
ASTM standard F1361-99
Heavy Load (French Fry) Cooking Energy
Efficiency (%);
Idle Energy Rate (Btu/hr or W, based on
fuel-type)
Commercial hot
food holding
cabinets
ASTM standard F2140-01
Energy Usage (W); Idle Energy Rate (W/fta)
Commercial ice
machines
Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration
Institute (ARI) Standard 810-2006
Harvest rate (lbs ice/day); energy use limit
(kWh/100 lbs ice); portable water use limit
(gal/100 lbs ice)
Commercial solid
door refrigerators
and freezers
ASHRAE standard 117-1992
Daily energy consumption (kWh/day)
Commercial
Steam Cookers
ASHRAE standard F1484-99
Cooking Energy Efficiency (%);ldle Energy
Rate (Btu/hr or W, based on fuel-type)
Vending
machines
ASHRAE standard 32.1-2004 using the
test conditions in Section 6
kWh/day
Water coolers
ENERGY STAR specific test procedure
Standby Energy (kWh/day)
32
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B. Compliance Audit Program
In addition to reviewing qualification test results, EPA is in the process of broadening its Compliance
Audit Program.
EPA's Compliance Audit Program addresses the broad range of eligible product categories through
three approaches to verify product performance. These include:
• EPA verification testing, which is administered by EPA using third-party independent
laboratories
• Third-party certification testing, which is administered by external, independent organizations
• Quality assurance testing for lighting products
EPA verification testing for products
Verification testing is one of many checks on the certification process that was established to
cost-effectively protect the integrity of the ENERGY STAR program. This testing is intended to
supplement formal Partnership Agreements and the upfront qualification process that includes
standardized, formal test procedures and the review of submitted data. The goal of testing is to
identify potential compliance problems and set in motion a review process to ensure manufacturers
take corrective measures as appropriate. This testing is also referred to as quality assurance testing,
as it is an integral part of the Quality Assurance Program for ENERGY STAR
EPA verification testing can be conducted for any ENERGY STAR qualified product. As specified in
Partnership Agreements, EPA may, at its discretion, conduct tests on any products that are referred to
as ENERGY STAR qualified. These products may be obtained on the open market, or voluntarily
supplied by a partner at EPA's request. Each year, EPA identifies a set of product categories to test,
focusing primarily on products where certification programs do not exist, and coordinates testing with
the product specification setting and revision process. EPA may choose to test a product category to
inform specification development work or other program priorities.
For each product category, EPA identifies specific models for testing. In general, EPA targets the
most popular products on the market, as they reach the greatest number of consumers; however,
EPA also considers other factors such as product features, prices, and manufacturers or brand names
in making its selection. To date, EPA has conducted testing on the following 10 products:
• Televisions • Air Cleaners
• DVD products • Printer & Faxes
• Monitors • Dehumidifiers
• Telephony • Computers
• Scanners • Multi-Function Devices (MFDs) [also referred to as All-in-One
Devices and Upgradeable Digital Copiers (UDCs)]
As shown in Table 7 below, out of the 172 models tested to date, three failed compliance testing.
These failures ultimately led to the removal of one model from the ENERGY STAR qualified products
list.
33
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Table 7. EPA Verification Testing for ENERGY STAR Products
Product
Specification
Requirements
Model Selection
#
Mfrs
# Units
Tested
Characteristics
Passed
Follow
On
Action
2002
Televisions
< 3 Watts in Standby
mode
Chose 15 ENERGY STAR
models from among the top 25
TVs in terms of market sales,
based on NPD Techworld data
for January - March. 2002.
5
45 (3 units
of each
model)
Screen size 31" -
57"; tube, flat screen,
and rear projection
technologies
All
Retest in
turn
DVDs1
For DVDs, < 3 Watts in
Standby mode. For
DVD/VCR combos, <
4 Watts in Standby
mode.
Chose 15 ENERGY STAR and
non-ENERGY STAR models
from among the top 25 TVs in
terms of market sales, based
on NPD Techworld data for
April - June 2002.
8
45 (3 units
of each
model)
NA
All2
Retest in
turn
2003
Monitors3
<15 Watts in Sleep
mode; < 8 Watts in
Low-power deep sleep
mode
Chose 10 CRT and 5 LCD
models from among the top 25
CRT and top 5 LCD monitors
in terms of market sales,
based on NPD Techworld data
for April - June 2002.
7
45 (3 units
of each
model)
30 CRTs and 15
LCDs; range in
screen size 13.8" -
17"
All
Retest
after new
spec in
effect
Telephony4
For answering
machines/cordless
telephones, < 3.3
Watts in Standby mode
(w/SST < 3.6 Watts).
For combination
cordless telephone &
answering machines,
< 4.0 Watts in Standby
mode (w/SST <5.1
Watts)
Chose 7 cordless phones, 8
combo phones and answering
machines, and 5 handsets
from the top 30 cordless
phones and combo units in
terms of market sales, based
on NPD Techworld data for
April - June. 2003.
6
50 (3 units
of each
cordless
phone and
combo
model; 1
unit of
each
handset
model)
24 combo phone &
answering machines,
21 cordless phones,
5 handset only
All
Retest in
turn
34
-------
Product
Specification
Requirements
Model Selection
#
Mfrs
# Units
Tested
Characteristics
Passed
Follow
On
Action
2004
Scanners5
<12 Watts in Low-
power mode; <15 min
default-delay time to
Low-power mode
Chose 8 scanner models from
the top 30 in terms of market
sales, based on NPD
Techworld data for June -
September 2003. Chose an
additional 7 models from other
sources to ensure a range of
technologies (i.e., flatbed,
sheet-fed, network).
7
45 (3 units
of each
model)
Scan rates 4-16
ms/line and 15-25
ppm
All6
Retest
after new
spec in
effect
MFDs & UDCs7
For MFDs, < (3.85 x
ipm + 50) Watts in
Low-power mode; < 30
sec recovery time from
Low-power mode; < 25
- 105 Watts in Sleep
mode, and < 15 - 120
min default-delay time
to Sleep mode, based
on product speed. For
UDCs, < (3.85 x ipm +
5) Watts in Low-power
mode; < 30 sec
recovery time from
Low-power mode; < 5
- 20 Watts in Sleep
mode and <15-120
min default delay-time
to Sleep mode, based
on product speed.
Chose 8 MFDs, 2 UDCs, and
1 digital duplicator based on
input from EPA's Product
Development Team to ensure
a wide array of products and
manufacturers were
represented. The sample size
for this test cycle was small
given the higher per unit cost
of MFDs and UDCs.
10
11 (1 unit
of each
model)
5 monochrome and 6
color, range in speed
12 - 120 ipm and 4.9
- 31 ppm
1 MFD model
failed by
exceeding
Sleep mode
default time;
EPA worked
with partner to
resolve the
issue.
Retest
after new
spec in
effect
35
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Follow
Product
Specification
Requirements
Model Selection
#
Mfrs
# Units
Tested
Characteristics
Passed
On
Action
Printers &
For printers, <10-75
Chose 9 printers, 1 photo
10
14 (1 unit
6 monochrome and 8
1 printer
Retest
Faxes7
Watts in Sleep mode; <
printer, and 4 faxes from the
of each
color, range in speed
model failed
after new
5-60 min default
delay-time to Sleep
mode, depending on
top 25 faxes, laser printers,
and inkjet printers in terms of
market sales, based on NPD
model)
3.8 - 33 ppm
by exceeding
Sleep mode
default time;
spec in
effect
color capability,
Techworld data for June -
model no
marking technology,
and print speed. For
faxes, <10-15 Watts
August 2004.
longer
appears on
ENERGY
in Sleep mode and < 5
STAR
min default delay-time
Qualified
to Sleep mode, based
Products List
on product speed.
2005
Dehumidifiers8
Capacity of L/day <10;
Chose 20 dehumidifiers based
11
20 (1 unit
Rated pints 20 -
All9
Retest
EF > 1.20 L/kWh.
on input from EPA's Product
of each
101.2/day (9.6-47.9
after new
Capacity of 10 < L/day
< 25; EF > 1.30 L/kWh.
Capacity of 25 < L/day
<35; EF > 1.50 L/kWh.
Development Team to ensure
a wide array of products and
manufacturers were
represented.
model)
liters); range in rated
energy factor 1.3 -
2.75 L/day
spec in
effect
Capacity of 36 < L/day
< 57; EF > 2.25 L/kWh.
2006
Computers10
<15-50 Watts in
Chose 16 computers based on
11
16 (1 unit
2 notebooks and 14
All11
Retest
Sleep mode,
depending on the
power supply rating;
enter Sleep mode < 30
input from EPA's Product
Development Team to ensure
a wide array of configurations
and manufacturers were
of each
model)
desktops; memory
range 113 -1,048
MB
after new
spec in
effect
min.
represented.
36
-------
Product
Specification
Requirements
Model Selection
#
Mfrs
# Units
Tested
Characteristics
Passed
Follow
On
Action
Monitors
Active: If X < 1
megapixel, then Y =
23; if X > 1 megapixel,
then Y = 28X
Sleep: < 2 watts
Off: < 1 watt
Chose 16 computer monitor
models from the top 50 in
terms of market sales, based
on NPD Techworld data for
April - June 2006. Chose an
additional 4 models from other
sources to ensure a range of
manufacturers.
11
20 (1 unit
of each
model)
LCD models ranging
in screen size from
15 to 23 inches
All12
Retest in
turn
2007
Room Air
Cleaners
> 2.0 CADR/Watt
(Dust) and < 2.0 Watts
in Standby mode,
where applicable
Chose 11 room air cleaner
models that were on the
ENERGY STAR Qualified
Products Listing, but did not
appear on AHAM's Directory
of Certified Room Air Cleaners
7
11 (1 unit
of each
model)
NA
1 Room Air
Cleaner
model failed
by not
meeting the
dust
CADR/Watt
requirement;
EPA worked
with partner to
resolve issue.
Retest in
turn
NOTES:
1 In addition to compliance testing, a few non-ENERGY STAR models were tested to a) gain an understanding of the Standby mode energy consumption range of the top-selling DVD players, and b)
determine whether the non-Audio/DVD partners have models that potentially could qualify.
2 All ENERGY STAR qualified models passed the Standby power test. Only one of the non-ENERGY STAR models did not pass.
3 In addition to compliance testing, data were collected to inform specification development activities. F-Squared Laboratories conducted preliminary testing on and provided feedback for the draft Active
mode test procedure and tested various voltage/frequency combinations.
4 In addition to compliance testing, data were collected to inform specification development work on an amendment for individual handsets and Tier 2 levels.
5 In addition to compliance testing, data were collected on non-ENERGY STAR models and for On/Active and Off/Standby modes to support specification development activities.
6 All ENERGY STAR qualified models passed the Sleep/Low-power test. A few non-ENERGY STAR models were tested in support of specification development efforts for Imaging Equipment; one of
these models did not pass.
7 In addition to compliance testing, the new Total Electricity Consumption (TEC) test procedure also was used to inform the specification development process.
8 In addition to compliance testing, data were collected to inform specification development activities. Testing was conducted on both ENERGY STAR and non-ENERGY STAR qualified models.
9 Initially, one ENERGY STAR qualified model did not pass the test for ENERGY STAR compliance. After testing, Intertek ETL SEMKO examined the internal components of the unit and found some
damage, most likely caused during shipping. A new unit was sent to Intertek for testing and it met the ENERGY STAR specifications.
10 In addition to compliance testing, data were collected on multiple operational modes, including Idle and Off, to inform specification revision activities.
11 All ENERGY STAR qualified models passed the Sleep mode test. Several non-ENERGY STAR models were tested in support of specification development efforts.
12 One model failed due to a software error. This error was immediately corrected and a new unit was tested to verify compliance.
37
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EPA is planning to increase verification testing given the growth of the ENERGY STAR program and
the number of qualified products on the market. For example, EPA is currently working with computer
stakeholders to develop a testing program that would be funded by manufacturers and provide for
more frequent testing. This program would still be administered by EPA with independent laboratories
conducting the testing.
Third-Party certification testing
The second element of EPA's Compliance Audit Program is testing administered by third-party
certification programs. There are currently several third-party certification programs, which are funded
and administered by industry trade associations that verify product performance. EPA is working to
develop more formal relationships with these programs to leverage the extensive testing they already
conduct for ENERGY STAR products. These include programs established by trade associations and
relied upon by the federal government to ensure compliance with federal energy efficiency standards
and other federal programs.
Currently, EPA has identified the following organizations as providing relevant testing:
• Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM)
• Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
• Home Ventilating Institute (HVI)
• Air Movement & Control Association (AMCA)
• Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC)
In addition, EPA plans to work with Fisher-Nickel, Inc., and the Food Service Technology Center
(FSTC) to conduct testing for commercial food service products.
Quality assurance testing for lighting products
EPA established quality assurance testing for RLFs in 2005 under Version 4.0 of the ENERGY STAR
specification for RLFs and has subsequently issued quality assurance testing guidelines and
procedures. In addition, DOE has developed a quality assurance testing program for CFLs, which will
take effect with the 4.0 criteria in December 2008.
Efforts to test residential lighting performance initially were undertaken in 1999 by the Program for the
Evaluation and Analysis of Residential Lighting (PEARL), a group of utilities, energy efficiency
advocates, and market transformation organizations that focus on residential lighting products and are
part of the ENERGY STAR program. PEARL was created in response to complaints received by
some utility program managers about the performance of certain ENERGY STAR qualified lighting
products being promoted within their service territories. PEARL purchased and tested lighting
products that were available to the consumer in the marketplace via the Lighting Research Center
(LRC), a testing laboratory accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program
(NVLAP).3 NVLAP provides an unbiased third-party evaluation and recognition of performance, as
well as expert technical guidance to upgrade laboratory performance.
3 NVLAP is a voluntary, fee-supported program to accredit laboratories that are found competent to perform
specific tests or calibrations, or types of tests or calibrations. The NVLAP was established by National Institute
for Standards and Technology in 1976 to serve the needs of the government and private sector by fostering and
promoting a uniformly acceptable base of professional and technical competence in the laboratory community,
and to facilitate and promote acceptance of calibration and test results between countries to avoid barriers to
trade.
38
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To date, PEARL has tested 182 CFL models and 52 light fixture models and shared data on
performance failures with EPA and DOE. In response, EPA and DOE have undertaken follow-up
action to ensure that quality and performance issues are resolved and/or products are de-listed from
the ENERGY STAR qualified products list. While results from PEARL highlighted issues with
compliance, the program was also able to demonstrate increasing compliance and product
performance in each successive round of testing. EPA decided to develop a testing program specific
to RLFs as part of the ENERGY STAR partnership requirements and has established a formal quality
assurance testing program involving manufacturer partner participation. DOE has developed a similar
program for CFLs which will take effect under 4.0 criteria in December 2008.
The quality assurance testing is intended to drive enhanced quality assurance and quality control
processes for manufacturers, which is uniquely lacking for lighting products. Additionally, this testing
is complemented by an additional requirement for manufacturers to submit accredited laboratory test
data reports to EPA or DOE as part of the initial certification process.
EPA quality assurance testing for residential light fixtures (RLFs)
In October 2005, EPA launched the quality assurance testing program for RLFs. To limit the burden
on manufacturers, EPA selects no more than two products from each chosen manufacturer in a given
year for this product category. Under the new system, once a product is selected for testing, the
manufacturer is required to choose and pay for testing at a manufacturer-independent laboratory that
has been certified by NVLAP. The laboratory purchases fixture samples or lamp and ballast platforms
on the open market, when possible, to further ensure the integrity of the process. Fixtures that fail the
quality assurance testing are disqualified in accordance with the product mislabeling protocol
discussed in Section III C.
The first round of testing encompassed 10 fixtures from 10 unique manufacturers. The notification of
QA selection began on April 3, 2006.4 Two fixtures have been de-listed from the ENERGY STAR
Qualified Product List as a result of failures. The second round of testing began in April 2007 and
included 12 lamp and ballast platforms from 10 unique manufacturers. To date, two platforms have
been de-listed as a result of failures in round two.
DOE quality assurance testing for CFLs
Given product performance concerns and PEARL results for some CFLs, DOE has focused
verification testing on ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs. DOE announced final criteria for its revised
specification on March 7, 2008. This specification includes a requirement that CFL partners participate
in a third-party testing and verification program similar to the manufacturer testing approach adopted
for residential lighting fixtures.
Since PEARL began testing CFLs in 1999, 75 out of 182 CFL models failed to meet all ENERGY
STAR requirements. Of these 75 CFLs, 23 remain listed because the manufacturer corrected the
failure or the product was retested and met performance criteria, and one product was disqualified
due to specification revision. Table 8 provides results from CFL testing under the PEARL initiative.
4 Two secondary selections were notified after this date (April 22 and May 23, respectively).
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In addition to PEARL testing, DOE initiated the Mandatory CFL Reflector Testing Initiative in October
2004, based on manufacturer input, which requires all qualified CFL reflector models to be tested.
Models that were not submitted for testing were removed from the Qualified Product List on the
ENERGY STAR Web site, and all retailer and energy efficiency program administrators were informed
of the de-listings. Testing was completed on December 16, 2005 and 50 CFL reflector products out of
65 were disqualified from the program. Out of the 50, 31 of the disqualified products were tested (the
remainder were corresponding private labeled products).
Out of the 65 CFL reflector products tested, 92 percent met the efficacy requirement, 91 percent met
the rapid cycle stress test requirements, 63 percent met the 1,000-hour lumen maintenance
requirement, and 68 percent met the lumen maintenance (at 40 percent) requirements. Based on
these results, DOE has incorporated an elevated temperature testing requirement for all reflector
products that are designed for use within recessed cans and other enclosed fixtures within the
Version 4.0 ENERGY STAR criteria for CFLs (effective December 2, 2008).
40
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Table 8. PEARL Testing for ENERGY STAR Qualified CFLs
Year
Number of CFLs
Tested
Number of Unique
Models That Failed
to Meet All Criteria
Requirements
Number of Unique
Models Where
Manufacturer
Corrected Failure
or Models Were
Retested and Met
Criteria
Number of Unique
Models No Longer
Qualified Due to
Revised
Specification
Number of Unique
Models Delisted
1999 Cycle 1
10
5
5
0
0
2001 - 2002 Cycle 2
18
9
6
0
3
2002 - 2003 Cycle 3
20
10
3
0
7
2003 Cycle 4
20
9
1
1
7
2004 Cycle 5
18
8
2
0
6
2005 Cycle 6
34
9
6
0
3
2006 Cycle 7
33
15
0
0
8
2007-08 Cycle 85
29
10
Pending
0
5
Total
182
75
23
1
39
The quality assurance testing program for lighting products, along with EPA verification testing and third-party certification testing,
are all key elements of EPA's Compliance Audit Program. A product is determined to have failed verification testing under EPA's
Compliance Audit Program if: a) the testing information supplied by the laboratory or manufacturer is complete but indicates the
product does not meet the performance requirements; b) the testing information supplied by the laboratory or manufacturer is
insufficient to determine whether the product meets the performance requirements; or c) the manufacturer fails to respond to EPA
requests for additional documentation or testing. EPA follows an established response protocol in addressing product mislabeling as
described in the following section.
5 Cycle 8 testing was not complete for all products at time of writing.
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C. Product mislabeling protocol
EPA and DOE follow an established response protocol in addressing product mislabeling. Mislabeled
products are generally identified through one of the three mechanisms: 1) retail store level
assessment, 2) the Compliance Audit Program, or 3) manufacturer reporting or self-disclosure.
The protocol includes the following key steps:
1) EPA or DOE notify the product manufacturer that the product will be removed from the
ENERGY STAR Qualified Product List on the Web site and requests a corrective action plan.
Partners found with mislabeled products in the market as ENERGY STAR may face
termination of their Partnership Agreements.
2) Upon notification, the manufacturer must immediately: 1) stop shipment of the model with the
ENERGY STAR mark; 2) suspend the labeling of the unqualified6 product with the ENERGY
STAR mark; 3) remove or obscure the ENERGY STAR mark on product units within its
control; and 4) remove or obscure the ENERGY STAR mark on all collateral materials such as
product packaging Web pages and other marketing materials associated with the product.
Depending on the amount of mislabeled product in the distribution chain and the nature of the
distribution, EPA or DOE may require the manufacturer to remove or obscure labels on
products already shipped. The manufacturer must provide EPA with a corrective action plan
within 30 days of receiving written notification from EPA. This plan should confirm that the
above actions were/are being taken in addition to informing EPA if the manufacturer plans to
re-qualify the model at a later date. EPA and/or an ENERGY STAR representative will work
with the manufacturer throughout the process until it is considered resolved by the Agency.
3) For products that are commonly sold through retail channels and/or subject to financial
incentives, EPA or DOE may notify retail partners and Energy Efficiency Program Sponsors
(EEPS) that a product is considered "unqualified" and has been de-listed from the ENERGY
STAR Web site. EPA or DOE will consolidate individual notices into one written letter if
multiple products are deemed unqualified at the same time.
At any time, the manufacturer may resubmit products with appropriate test data for re-qualification.
As the ENERGY STAR name and logo are registered marks belonging to the U.S. government, EPA
must ensure they are used correctly to protect the integrity of the program they represent. Any partner
that uses the name and/or logo improperly and fails to take corrective action upon an EPA request
may be subject to termination of its ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement, as well as legal action
through EPA's Office of General Counsel.
6 An "unqualified" product is a product that does not meet the current ENERGY STAR program and specification
requirements.
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D. Qualification and verification testing requirements for homes
From 1995 through 2006, the ENERGY STAR specification for new homes was a Home Energy
Rating System (HERS) score of 86. This score approximated a 30 percent energy efficiency
improvement for heating, cooling, and hot water over a home built to the national Model Energy Code
(MEC). In addition, EPA developed prescriptive designs called Builder Option Packages (BOPs) that
detailed how builders could construct ENERGY STAR qualified homes without a home energy rating.
This specification was amended in 2000 to also require at least 15 percent greater efficiency than the
prevailing state energy code to ensure labeled homes were substantially more energy efficient than
standard homes in states with rigorous energy codes (e.g., California, Texas). EPA subsequently
revised this specification for site-built homes during 2005, increasing stringency in response to a
much more rigorous national energy code (now called International Energy Conservation Code or
IECC) and substantially higher cooling equipment standards under National Appliance Energy
Conservation Act (NAECA).
The revised specification requires an ENERGY STAR labeled home to be 15 to 20 percent more
efficient than a home built to the 2004 IECC. In addition, EPA requires additional energy saving
features (thermal bypass checklist) that typically make them 20 to 30 percent more efficient than
standard homes. The date for full national implementation of this specification was July 1, 2007.
Builders can meet these performance targets by constructing homes that score either an 80 or 85,
depending on the climate zone, on the HERS scale. Such evaluations or ratings are conducted
according to standards set by the Residential Energy Service Network (RESNET), under Chapter 3
(National Energy Rating Standards) of the Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Systems
Standards. Or, builders may use EPA-approved BOPs designed to meet or exceed ENERGY STAR
performance criteria in designated climates.
• Qualifying homes on a performance basis. To qualify as ENERGY STAR, a home must:
(1) Meet the appropriate HERS Index and other mandatory requirements for home envelope,
ductwork, and products
(2) Be verified and field-tested in accordance with the RESNET Standards by a RESNET-
accredited Provider
(3) Have completed the Thermal Bypass Inspection Checklist
(4) Have installed various combinations of ENERGY STAR qualified products and appliances
(5) Meet all applicable codes
• Qualifying homes on a prescriptive basis. To qualify as ENERGY STAR, a home must:
(1) Be built to the requirements specified in the appropriate ENERGY STAR BOP. All BOP
requirements are verified by an independent, third-party accredited provider according to
Chapter 4 of the Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Systems Standards
maintained by RESNET
(2) Have completed the Thermal Bypass Inspection Checklist
(3) Meet all applicable codes
Multi-family units that are three floors or less can qualify for ENERGY STAR if the end-unit with the
most exposed wall area meets the appropriate HERS Index for its climate zone. In addition, the other
dwellings must have equal or lesser window area to floor area ratio, as well as the same or more
43
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stringent energy efficiency features as the tested unit. For the prescriptive path, EPA has developed a
new BOP that is similar to the one developed for detached housing, but it allows builders to select
additional energy efficiency features in exchange for not installing a high-efficiency HVAC system.
Verification of site-built homes
Site-built homes are inspected and verified as meeting ENERGY STAR specifications by either a
certified HERS rater working for an accredited HERS provider or an accredited BOP provider. The
HERS rater determines whether the home meets the ENERGY STAR performance specification. The
BOP provider verifies that the home has been built to the prescriptive BOP.
Field inspection and testing is either conducted on every home or through a sampling protocol when
certain conditions are met.7 'Sampling' allows an accredited Home Energy Rater provider to qualify a
group of new homes to meet ENERGY STAR guidelines based on pre-analysis of building plans and
subsequent random testing and inspections of a sample set of the homes as-built. For builders who
have demonstrated an ability to consistently meet the ENERGY STAR guidelines, sampling helps to
minimize production interruptions and verification costs, while ensuring that homes meet or exceed
the guidelines for qualifying homes as ENERGY STAR. Sampling can be applied when either the
performance verification method (HERS Index score) or prescriptive verification method (BOP) is
used.
RESNET has amended Chapter 6 of the Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Standards
that governs the application of a recognized Sampling Protocol and the accreditation of Sampling
Providers. This RESNET standard was developed by a panel of building science professionals with
extensive experience working with builders in the field and was reviewed through a public comment
period. This RESNET Standard has been adopted by EPA.
In addition to the above quality assurance verifications, EPA 1) reviews evaluation reports from
energy efficiency program administrators who conduct evaluations to verify energy savings and peak
demand reductions; and 2) actively investigates complaints from consumers regarding their homes or
the home energy rating process. In cases where EPA confirms that non-compliant homes are being
verified or promoted as ENERGY STAR, action is taken to resolve noncompliance and/or terminate
the ENERGY STAR partnership with the builder or rater.
Manufactured homes
An ENERGY STAR qualified manufactured home is 30 percent more energy efficient than a home
built to the 1993 Model Energy Code. Since manufactured homes come under a different building
code than site-built homes, EPA did not revise the specification for this housing type in 2005. In
addition, EPA allows an additional verification path for manufactured homes to account for the
inherently higher-quality insulation installation procedures and more complete thermal air barrier
details that can be diligently followed and installed in the factory setting where these homes are
manufactured.
To earn the ENERGY STAR, a plant must first be certified to produce ENERGY STAR qualified
homes by an independent ENERGY STAR certifier. Approved quality assurance providers currently
7 Prior to formal adoption of a sampling protocol option, the validity of the approach was verified in three markets
where the sampling protocol was being pilot tested. Source: ICF 2000. Field Evaluation of EPA's ENERGY
STAR Homes Sampling Protocol November 2000. Independently, the Ohio State Energy office conducted a
similar field study in 2001. In both studies, compliance with ENERGY STAR specifications was excellent.
44
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include a provider overseen by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance and the Manufactured
Housing Research Alliance. To be certified, a plant must select energy efficiency measures that help
achieve the ENERGY STAR specification, submit those measures to a design approval primary
inspection agency (DAPIA) accredited by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD), and then verify consistent conformance to those measures both in the plant and with
assembled homes to a quality assurance provider. Once a plant is certified, the verification process
entails checking:
• At least one step of the production-line process by third-party in-plant inspection agents
accredited by HUD
• All steps of the production-line process by in-house quality control managers reviewing
detailed checklists including all ENERGY STAR requirements
• Assembled units in the field by factory quality control representatives and quality control
checklists with ENERGY STAR requirements
Furthermore, EPA requires that at least 2 percent of all labeled homes be spot checked in the field
with diagnostic testing by a third-party ENERGY STAR Certifier.
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR
Although any existing home that meets the ENERGY STAR specification for new homes may be
labeled as ENERGY STAR, it is not cost effective for the majority of older homes to install upgrades
and make renovations to meet these stringent criteria. Many cost-effective opportunities for reducing
energy consumption in existing homes, however, are available. The Home Performance with
ENERGY STAR program is designed to identify and deliver these opportunities to the existing homes
marketplace. The program is underway in over 20 metropolitan areas of the country and is operated
by program sponsors. To offer a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program, the program
sponsor is required to develop and submit an annual program plan outlining implementation of the
following program elements:
• Ensure that energy specialists conduct whole-house analyses, including a complete
visual and diagnostic energy inspection of the home's thermal and mechanical systems (attics,
exterior walls, infiltration, windows, basement, heating and cooling systems, and hot water
systems). A visual inspection of the home's lighting and appliances also is recommended.
Additionally, ensure that all recommendations to the homeowner are made on a fuel-neutral
basis and ensure that the homeowner (or tenant) is provided with a summary report, including
results and recommendations, expected costs and savings, and the non-energy benefits of
implementing recommendations.
• Facilitate installation of recommended measures through information, marketing, financial
incentives, and/or financing, placing emphasis on the installation of recommended measures,
including but not limited to insulation, air sealing, heating, cooling, and duct system
improvements, and energy-efficient lighting and appliance upgrades.
• Facilitate direct connection of homeowners to appropriate qualified contractors who are
able to implement the recommendations. This can be either by the contractor providing the
inspection or other contractors qualified in home energy inspection, building science, and
proper installation techniques. All measures are required to be installed in accordance with
industry best practices.
45
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• Verify energy performance and conformity to health and safety standards through
diagnostic testing that includes measuring air infiltration and duct leakage and combustion
safety testing [for example, in accordance with ASTM Standard E1998-99, "Standard Guide for
Assessing Depressurization-lnduced Backdrafting and Spillage from Vented Combustion
Appliances;" Section H of the National Fuel Gas Code (ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54); or Canada
General Standards Board-51.71-95, "The Spillage Test Method to Determine The Potential for
Pressure Induced Spillage from Vented, Fuel-Fired, Space Heating Appliances, Water Heaters
and Fireplaces"].
• Ensure quality through rigorous contractor certification and accreditation or through
direct oversight and inspection as detailed below:
Certification/accreditation. The certification/accreditation must be at least as rigorous as
the technical certifications offered by the Building Performance Institute. Required
elements include 1) written and performance-based skill evaluations in all relevant areas;
2) evaluation against consensus-based building science standards; 3) an accreditation
agreement in which the contractor performing the work agrees to meet consensus-based
building science standards for all work performed, using oversight by certified technicians
with appropriately trained crews; and 4) a contractor agreement to establish and use
internal quality control and consumer complaint resolution procedures. In addition,
contractors must agree to oversight, such as review of records and job inspections by the
certifying/accrediting body or the energy efficiency program administrator.
Inspection oversight. The energy efficiency program administrator will ensure that
participating contractors receive building science and measurement training sufficient to
perform the diagnostic testing and properly install improvement measures. Further, the
program administrator or designated agent will directly inspect the completed work at no
less than a 15 percent sampling rate to ensure that cost-effective recommendations are
being reasonably presented to homeowners and those measures are performed according
to established standards.
Partners that are not meeting the basic requirements of the Partnership Agreement receive a call
explaining EPA concerns and requesting resolution. Partners that do not take action within 6 months
of being contacted will receive a letter terminating the Partnership Agreement.
EPA and DOE are currently developing more specific guidance related to the implementation steps
listed above. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR is jointly managed by EPA and DOE.
46
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Section IV. Assessing consumer experience and perception of
ENERGY STAR
EPA and DOE assess the consumer experience with and perceptions of ENERGY STAR by:
• Annually conducting a national analysis of household awareness of, understanding of,
influence of, and loyalty to ENERGY STAR
• Assessing whether and how retail sales associates present information about energy
efficiency and ENERGY STAR to their customers
A. Household awareness of, understanding of, use of, and loyalty to
ENERGY STAR
Since 2000, EPA has produced a national analysis of household perceptions of ENERGY STAR
based on a data set made publicly available by the Consortium of Energy Efficiency (CEE).8 The
analyses show that since 2000, consumer awareness of, understanding of, influence of, and loyalty to
ENERGY STAR has increased significantly.
As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in 2007, more than 70 percent of households nationwide recognized the
ENERGY STAR label and more than 75 percent correctly interpreted the meaning of the ENERGY
STAR label.9
As shown in Figures 4 and 5, of the one in three households that knowingly purchased an ENERGY
STAR qualified product in 2007, more than 70 percent of them reported the label as influential to their
purchasing decision, and more than 80 percent of them reported they are likely to recommend
ENERGY STAR products to friends.10
8 CEE members comprising state, utility, and third-party energy efficiency program administrators sponsor a
household survey about ENERGY STAR in the fall of each year to evaluate the effectiveness of their own
energy efficiency campaigns and program tactics.
9 EPA Office of Air and Radiation, Climate Protection Partnerships Division. "National Awareness of ENERGY
STAR for 2007: Analysis of CEE Household Survey." U.S. EPA, 2007.
10 Ibid.
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Figure 2. Awareness of ENERGY STAR
Figure 3. Understanding of ENERGY STAR Label
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
***
Bali
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
I Unaided Awareness ~ Aided Awareness
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
~ General and High Understanding
* Unaided recognition, the 2001 and 2002 proportions are statistically different from each other at the 5-percent level of significance (p-value < 0.05).
** Aided recognition, the 2002 and 2003 proportions are statistically different from each other at the 1-percent level of significance (p-value < 0.01). For unaided
recognition, the 2002 and 2003 proportions are statistically different from each other at the 5-percent level of significance (p-value < 0.05).
*** Aided and unaided recognition, the 2003 and 2004 proportions are statistically different from each other at the 5-percent level of significance (p-value < 0.05).
**** Aided recognition, the 2005 and 2006 proportions are statistically different from each other at the 5-percent level of significance (p-value < 0.05). For unaided
recognition, the 2005 and 2006 proportions are statistically different from each other at the 1-percent level of significance (p-value < 0.01).
***** Aided and unaided recognition, the 2006 and 2007 proportions are statistically different from each other at the 5-percent level of significance (p-value < 0.05).
A Level of understanding, the 2003 and 2004 proportions are statistically different from each other at the 5-percent level of significance (p-value < 0.05).
AA CEE made a change to the 2006 survey that affects the calculation of the Level of Understanding of the Label, which is based on the responses to an open-
ended question. In previous years all respondents were asked the question. In the 2006 survey, due to a new skip pattern, 339 respondents were not asked this
question. Therefore, it was not possible to determine the Level of Understanding of the Label for these 339 respondents. For comparison purposes, responses for
this same subset of respondents were removed from the 2005 calculations. When compared with the 2005 results using all respondents, there is minimal
difference.
AAA In 2007, the survey reverted back to the skip patterns used prior to 2006; therefore the 2007 results can be directly compared to the 2005 results. The 2007
and 2005 proportion of households with at least a general understanding of the ENERGY STAR label are statistically different at the 5-percent level of significance
(p-value < 0.05).
48
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Figure 4. Influence of ENERGY STAR Label on Purchasing Figure 5. Likely to Recommend ENERGY STAR to a Friend
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
~ Influenced Purchased (Very much or somewhat)
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006* 2007*
~ 2001 ~ 2002 ~ 2003 D2004 D2005 D2006* D2007*
* In 2006 and 2007, the response options for survey question Q11 ("How likely are you to recommend ENERGY STAR-labeled products to a friend") were
changed from previous years. Thus, 2006 and 2007 data are not directly comparable with the 2001 - 2005 data series. Values shown for 2006 and 2007
represent individuals whose responses were from 6 - 10 on a scale where 0 = Extremely Unlikely and 10 = Extremely Likely. Values for 2001 - 2005
represent individuals whose responses to Q11 were either "Very Likely" or "Somewhat Likely" given response options of "Very Likely," "Somewhat Likely,"
"Slightly Likely," and "Not at All Likely."
49
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B. Sales staff evaluation
As discussed previously in Section II B, EPA conducts a semi-annual retail store level assessment. A
key component of the review is an assessment of the retail sales staff, which involves field staff
posing as shoppers seeking purchasing advice based on standard situations for designated products.
Following each shopping experience, field personnel rate salesperson use and knowledge of
ENERGY STAR. Salespeople who mention ENERGY STAR without prompting, explain ENERGY
STAR and its sponsorship by EPA and DOE accurately, and present ENERGY STAR, energy
efficiency, and environmental benefits as top considerations receive the highest assessments. Since
2001, field personnel have interacted with more than 12 unique stores across 16 product categories.
The information captured from these interactions allows EPA and DOE to refine the information and
tools they provide to retail partners.
From 2001 to 2007, sales staff using ENERGY STAR as part of the sales process has increased
across several key product categories.11
Field personnel agreement levels over time for some of the key assessment areas are presented in
Figures 6 through 9 below.
11EPA Office of Air and Radiation, Climate Protection Partnerships Division. "ENERGY STAR Retail Store-Level
Assessment Round 11/ Fall 2007 (DRAFT)." U.S. EPA, 2008.
50
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Figure 6. Retailer Familiarity with ENERGY STAR
¦
•
¦ ~
• ' l : *
•
• A
~
~ *
~
m
Fall 2001 Sprg 2002 Sprg 2003 Fall 2003 Fall 2004 Sum 2005 Fall 2005 Sum 2006 Fall 2006 Sum 2007 Fall 2007
Date
~ CFL Bulbs ¦ Clothes Washer • Interior & Exterior Fixt_ A Programmable Thermostat
Figure 7. The Retailer Provision of Basic Explanation of ENERGY STAR
5 1^
a 2
1
Fall 2001 Sprg 2002
Sprg 2003 Fall 2003 Fall 2004
Sum 2005 Fall 2005 Sum 2006
Date
Fall 2006 Sum 2007 Fall 2007
~ CFL Bulbs
¦ Clothes Washer
# Interior & Exterior Fixt_
~ Programmable Thermostat
51
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Figure 8. Retailer Directed the Consumer to Energy Efficient Products
S 3
o
J
A
J
a 2 -
V
5
a>
Urn
en
Fall 2001 Sprg 2002
Sprg 2003 Fall 2003 Fall 2004
Sum 2005 Fall 2005 Sum 2006
Date
Fall 2006 Sum 2007 Fall 2007
~ CFL Bulbs
¦ Clothes Washer
# Interior & Exterior Fixt_
A Programmable Thermostat
Figure 9. Retailer Mention of ENERGY STAR by Name Without Prompt
¦
¦
¦
m
¦
~
~
¦
~ I ~
o
• • * • # J
m
LA U/ U/
SE 3
o
J
J
e 2
v
5
a>
v
en
Fall 2001 Sprg 2002 Sprg 2003 Fall 2003 Fall 2004 Sum 2005 Fall 2005 Sum 2006 Fall 2006 Sum 2007 Fall 2007
Date
~ CFL Bulbs
I Clothes Washer
O Interior & Exterior Fixt
~ Programmable Thermostat
52
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Section V. Establishing and revising ENERGY STAR
specifications
Establishing and revising ENERGY STAR specifications using consistent and fair principles is
important to maintaining the integrity of ENERGY STAR in the marketplace and ensures that:
• Consumers have a consistent understanding of and experience with the ENERGY STAR label
• Manufacturers, builders, and other suppliers are not unfairly disadvantaged
• The nature of the program, as invested in by existing program partners, is not adversely
impacted due to the introduction of additional ENERGY STAR qualified products or services
The information provided below describes the principles, processes, and progress that EPA and DOE
have made in developing and revising specifications to achieve greater energy performance and
maintain differentiation for ENERGY STAR in the marketplace.
A. Guiding principles for developing and revising ENERGY STAR
specifications
Key principles of the ENERGY STAR brand and attributes of the products that earn the ENERGY
STAR include:
• Provide simple ways for consumers to find and select energy-saving products and practices
• Deliver real energy savings to the consumer
• Are fully commercialized and use proven technologies
• Will be cost effective, offering a payback in a reasonable period of time if there is a higher
initial cost for the product
• Will provide the same, if not better, performance compared to the typical alternative
• Provide technology-neutral performance requirements across competing technologies
In summary, the ENERGY STAR label is a "trustmark" for consumers based on the large government
and stakeholder investment to date and it is that value that EPA strives to continue to build and
maintain.
Implementation of the principles listed above is distilled into a short set of key attributes about the
market characteristics of the products that would be eligible for the ENERGY STAR label. In addition,
questions can be posed to assist in assessing the consistency of the implementation of these
principles across the product categories and products eligible for the ENERGY STAR. These market
characteristics as well as key questions are detailed below and can be examined on a product basis
in Table 9.
• Products must be clearly and broadly accessible in the marketplace to be candidates for
ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR is used to help a broad set of consumers easily make energy-
efficient choices when they are in the market to buy or replace products. Thus, highlighting
products to consumers that are not broadly available is not helpful and confuses consumers about
53
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the role of ENERGY STAR and the value that ENERGY STAR offers them, as well as potentially
undermining the overall ENERGY STAR brand.
Key Questions:
- Are the products eligible for the ENERGY STAR label broadly available to the typical
consumer in the places these consumers purchase the products?
- Are the products eligible for the ENERGY STAR label broadly available to the typical
consumer in the places these consumers purchase across the country?
• Products must have an energy savings potential that translates into tangible energy
savings when the product is placed in a home or building to be a candidate for the
ENERGY STAR. It is important that consumers receive the expected energy savings (and
expected payback) from the purchase of ENERGY STAR qualified products. If there are issues
with installation or system integration that can have a significant impact on a consumer's ability to
realize the savings from the product's energy efficiency, then the savings are not guaranteed. As a
result, EPA is very cautious about labeling products that are components of larger building or
industrial systems. In an early part of the exploration process, EPA determines if there are
systems design, integration, and/or installation issues. If there are significant issues, EPA does not
consider the product category a viable candidate for the ENERGY STAR program.
Key Questions:
- Are there significant installation issues that would cause the typical consumer to not receive
the anticipated energy savings from the products?
- Are there significant systems interactions and design issues that would cause the typical
consumer to not receive the anticipated energy savings from the products?
• Products must be fully commercialized and use proven technologies to be candidates for
the ENERGY STAR. The energy savings to the consumer (and the expected payback) have to be
routine and reliable, which means the technology has to also be proven and reliable.
Key Questions:
- Are the energy-efficient technologies proven in the marketplace and is there a track record of
these technologies working?
- Are there significant consumer complaints associated with the energy-efficient products in the
product category?
• Products must offer payback in a reasonable timeframe to be a candidate for the ENERGY
STAR. ENERGY STAR is designed to appeal to a broad base of consumers and to do so, a
strong financial case is critical. Specifications are set with reasonably short paybacks when there
is an incremental initial cost for the product. It is important for consumers that purchase ENERGY
STAR qualified products to be financially better off investing in energy-efficient products than
investing in similar alternatives. The specifications for ENERGY STAR are typically set at
performance levels where there is broad availability of products offering two- to three-year simple
paybacks. Additionally, consumers have strong preferences for specific features in a product, and
there needs to be available efficient products to fulfill these preferences. Many of the current
ENERGY STAR products have no significant additional up-front cost and, at most, these products
have about a 5-year payback. There are complexities that need to be addressed when the energy
use of a product is climate dependent, such as with air conditioners and furnaces.
54
-------
Key Questions:
- Is there a range of products that meet the ENERGY STAR specification that have the features
consumers typically prefer and purchase?
- What is the payback for the products that meet the ENERGY STAR performance requirement
for the consumer?
- Are there regional climate issues to address and if there are, has the specification been set so
that the large majority of consumers will have a reasonable payback, recognizing that setting
the specification to be cost-effective for all consumers is not the best solution?
• Products should have ENERGY STAR specifications developed only where energy-efficient
product performance can be maintained or enhanced. Market research shows that consumers
do not want to compromise product performance as they seek opportunities to lower their energy
bills or protect the environment. In developing ENERGY STAR specifications, care is necessary to
identify any performance issues with energy-efficient products and to address the performance
issues effectively through the specification. If the performance issues cannot be effectively
addressed through the specification, the product category is likely not a viable candidate for the
ENERGY STAR program.
Key Questions:
- Have performance issues been identified with the energy-efficient products in the product
category?
- Have performance issues been addressed in the ENERGY STAR specification?
- Are there significant consumer complaints associated with energy-efficient products in the
product category?
• Products should have ENERGY STAR specifications developed as performance based and
technology neutral across competing technologies. ENERGY STAR is a marketing tool that
may convey a business advantage to manufacturers that use it. As such, the government needs to
establish specifications that do not favor one manufacturer or technology over another. The
government cannot be seen as being arbitrary in the guidelines it sets for energy efficiency. Being
technology neutral and performance based does not necessarily mean that the same performance
requirements will be required across all fields. For example, in the case of electric- and gas-fueled
products, consumers have already chosen a fuel and are looking to choose the cost-effective
option for that given fuel. In this scenario, requiring a consumer to change to products of another
fuel would typically cost substantially more money and not meet the cost-effectiveness guidelines
established earlier for the ENERGY STAR program.
Key Questions:
- Are there a variety of energy-efficient technologies that provide a similar function (e.g. lighting
or television viewing)?
- Is the ENERGY STAR specification technology neutral and performance based?
- Are there reasons why a performance-based, technology-neutral requirement does not make
sense (e.g. in the case of a gas versus electric products example detailed above)?
The above guiding principles are used to determine whether specifications for existing products
should be revised or whether technologies have matured (or failed to mature) to the point that using
the ENERGY STAR label in conjunction with a product or service is no longer in the best interest of
the EPA, DOE, or consumers (i.e., no longer a cost-effective performance differentiator).
55
-------
The markets for each product and service labeled as ENERGY STAR vary widely. As such, there is
no set market penetration level that triggers a specification review. Rather, the patterns of market
share growth and other factors, such as relevant legislation, are monitored over time to anticipate the
need for change.
56
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Table 9. Key Principles and Associated Product Review Questions
(as of December 2007)
Product Category
Product
Available
Significant Issues
with Consumer
Realizing Expected
Savings or Payback
Proven
Technology
Cost-Effective
Maintain
Performance
Technology Neutral
Broadly
Available?
Proper Use Issues?
Installation
Issues?
Systems/Design
Issues?
Proven?
History of Issues?
Simple Payback
Regional climate
Issues?
Performance Issues
Identified
Different efficient
technologies exist
with similar
functions?
Technology neutral
specification?
Appliances
Clothes washers
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
3-5 yrs
No
No
Yes
Yes
Dehumidifiers
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Oyrs
No
No
No"
Yes
Dishwashers
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
3 yrs
No
No
Yes
Yes
Refrigerators and freezers
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
3-5 yrs
No
No
Yes
Yes
Room air conditioners
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
0-5 yrs
Yes"
No
Yes
Yes
Room air cleaners
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Oyrs
No
No
No "
Yes
Heating and Cooling
Boilers
Yes
No
No
Yes"
Yes
No
<1 yr
Yes "
No
Yes
Yes
Ceiling fans
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Oyrs
No
No
No 1Z
Yes
Central air conditioners
and air source heat pumps
Yes
No
Yes"
Yes "
Yes
No
<5yrsl3
Yes "
No
Yes
Yes
Furnaces
Yes (gas)
No
No
Yes "
Yes
No
<3yrs
Yes "
No
Yes
Yes
Geothermal heat pumps
Yes1b
No
No
No
Yes
No
<5yrs
Yes 1J
No
No 1Z
No"
12 Function of products currently performed by one basic technology.
13 Payback varies depending on heating/cooling loads.
14 EPA is launching an HVAC Quality Installation program in 2008 to address proper sizing and other installation issues.
15 Significant cooling load is assumed to be >1089 cooling degree days. Includes cities as far north as New York and Philadelphia.
57
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Product Category
Product
Available
Significant Issues
with Consumer
Realizing Expected
Savings or Payback
Proven
Technology
Cost-Effective
Maintain
Performance
Technology Neutral
Broadly
Available?
Proper Use Issues?
Installation
Issues?
Systems/Design
Issues?
Proven?
History of Issues?
Simple Payback
Regional climate
Issues?
Performance Issues
Identified
Different efficient
technologies exist
with similar
functions?
Technology neutral
specification?
Light commercial HVAC
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
<1 yr
Yes 1J
No
No1*
Yes
Programmable
thermostats
Yes
Yes18
No
No
Yes
No
0 yrs
No
No
No"
Yes
Ventilating fans
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Oyrs
No
No
No "
Yes
Home Electronics
Battery charging systems
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Oyrs
No
No
Yes
Yes
Cordless phones
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Oyrs
No
No
Yes
Yes
Combination Units
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Oyrs
No
No
Yes
Yes
Digital to Analog (DTA)
converters
N/Aia
No
No
No
Yes
No
Oyrs
No
No
No "
Yes
DVD products
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Oyrs
No
No
No "
Yes
External power adapters
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Oyrs
No
No
Yes
Yes
Home audio
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Oyrs
No
No
No "
Yes
Televisions
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Oyrs
No
No
Yes
Yes
VCRs
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Oyrs
No
No
Yes
Yes
Home Envelope
Insulation products
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Oyrs
No
No
Yes
Yes
16 Geothermal Heat Pumps are not a typical choice for homeowners in the replacement market. In addition, GTHP application opportunities are constrained by land-area
considerations.
17
Due to the unique nature of Geothermal Heat Pumps, with respect to consumer needs and installation constraints, this specification is different from the air source heat pump
specification.
18 The savings depend on the consumer's behavior. EPA is launching an educational campaign in June 2008 to educate consumers on how to use programmable thermostats to get
the savings. Depending on the success of the campaign, EPA may sunset this specification.
19
Digital to Analog (DTA) Converters were not on the market until 2008, in preparation for the Feb 2009 transition to digital TV signals.
-------
Product Category
Product
Available
Significant Issues
with Consumer
Realizing Expected
Savings or Payback
Proven
Technology
Cost-Effective
Maintain
Performance
Technology Neutral
Broadly
Available?
Proper Use Issues?
Installation
Issues?
Systems/Design
Issues?
Proven?
History of Issues?
Simple Payback
Regional climate
Issues?
Performance Issues
Identified
Different efficient
technologies exist
with similar
functions?
Technology neutral
specification?
Roof products
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
<4yrs
No
No
Yes
Yes
Windows, doors, and
skylights
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
0-5 yrs
Yes "
No
Yes
Yes
Lighting
Compact fluorescent light
bulbs
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes2U
~1 year
No
Yes ia
No "
No
Decorative light strings
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes'1
No
No
Yes
Yes
RLFs
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes"
<2yrs
No
Yes "
Yes
Yes
Office Equipment
Computers/Monitors
Yes
No
No
Yes"
Yes
No
Oyrs
No
No
Yes
Yes
Imaging Equipment
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Oyrs
No
No
Yes
Yes
Commercial Food Service
Commercial dishwashers
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No M
Yes
Commercial fryers
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
1 yr
No
No
No "
Yes
Commercial hot food
holding cabinets
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
2 yrs
No
No
No1'
Yes
Commercial ice makers
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No 1Z
Yes
20
Performance issues were identified through product testing. In 2008, DOE finalized a revised CFL specification that requires CFL partner participation in a third-party testing and
verification program. See Section III.
21
Performance issues have been addressed through enhanced performance requirements in the specifications.
22
Performance issues were identified through product testing. They are being addressed through our Quality Assurance Program. See Section III.
23
Substantial progress has been made working with industry to address network issues associated with power management. In 2008, EPA began promoting power management
through the Low Carbon IT initiative.
59
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Product Category
Product
Available
Significant Issues
with Consumer
Realizing Expected
Savings or Payback
Proven
Technology
Cost-Effective
Maintain
Performance
Technology Neutral
Broadly
Available?
Proper Use Issues?
Installation
Issues?
Systems/Design
Issues?
Proven?
History of Issues?
Simple Payback
Regional climate
Issues?
Performance Issues
Identified
Different efficient
technologies exist
with similar
functions?
Technology neutral
specification?
Commercial solid door
refrigerators and freezers
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
2yrs
No
No
No 12
Yes
Commercial steam
cookers
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Oyrs
No
No
No"
Yes
Other
Vending machines
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
<1 yr
No
No
No "
Yes
Water coolers
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Oyrs
No
No
No "
Yes
60
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B. Revising product specifications and adding new product categories
As described above, EPA and DOE revise product criteria to address changes in the marketplace and
enhance product energy performance. In addition, EPA and DOE also add new products to the
ENERGY STAR suite to address new energy savings opportunities of national significance. Since the
program's inception in 1992, more than 50 product and service categories have been added to the
ENERGY STAR suite. In addition, EPA and DOE are currently reviewing existing and new products
for specification revision or development. Table 10 shows the history of ENERGY STAR criteria
development and specification revisions since the program's inception and indicates where revisions
are under consideration. Table 11 shows new products for which EPA and DOE are currently in the
process of drafting ENERGY STAR specifications.
In addition to the guiding principles outlined above, EPA and DOE have undertaken revising
specifications to respond to concerns industry has raised regarding product quality (as in the case of
CFLs) and energy performance testing procedures (as in the case of dishwashers).
As new and revised specifications come into effect or are suspended or sunset from the ENERGY
STAR program, EPA and DOE follow general procedures to inform industry and ensure that products
that no longer qualify for the label are phased out of supply channels by a specified period of time:
• Draft decisions regarding modification or suspension of specifications are sent to all
manufacturing partners and other interested stakeholders indicating proposed effective dates
for new specifications or rescission of discontinued specifications. For specifications that are
being suspended, interested stakeholders are given a period of four weeks to comment. For
specification revisions, a "no grandfathering" clause is highlighted in the draft indicating that
any product sold, manufactured, or identified by the manufacturing partner as ENERGY STAR
must meet the current specification in effect at the time the product is manufactured.
• Final specifications are sent to all manufacturing partners and other interested stakeholders
with a cover memorandum highlighting the following: "ENERGY STAR qualification is not
automatically granted for the life of the product model. To carry the ENERGY STAR mark a
product model must meet the version of the ENERGY STAR specification in effect on the
model's date of manufacture."
• All documents related to specification revisions and rescissions including cover memoranda are
posted on www.energystar.gov. Once a revised specification becomes effective, only those
product models meeting the new specification are listed on the qualified product lists on
www.energystar.gov. All others are removed. In addition, only information on the new
specification is included on the product Web pages. Information on previous specifications is
archived. Products that no longer qualify due to a specification rescission are similarly removed.
• Manufacturers that continue to mislabel non-qualified products or that fail to respond to letters
from EPA will have their Partnership Agreements revoked (if they are partners) and are
subject to legal action.
61
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C. Revising homes specifications
To ensure market differentiation and to fulfill the ENERGY STAR brand promise of cost-effective
energy efficiency and environmental performance, the specification for ENERGY STAR qualified
homes has been revised three times since it was first launched in the fall of 1995. Table 12 shows the
major revisions to the specification.
62
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Table 10. History of ENERGY STAR Product Specification Development and Revision
(as of January 1, 2008)
CURRENT SPECIFICATION
DISCUSSION
SPECIFICATION
HISTORY
Product Category
Effective Date
of Original
Specification
Effective Date
of Current
Specification
2007
Estimated
Market
Share* (% of
Total Sales/
Shipments)
of Qualified
Products
Percent
Savings
Over
Typical
Product*
(S indicates
federal
standard
exists)
Discussion of Recent and
Anticipated Specification Revision
Activities
History of
Revision
Effective
Date(s)
Under
review for
potential
revision?
APPLIANCES
Clothes washers
May 1997
Jan 1, 2007
25%
30%** S
The new criteria, effective January 1, 2007,
incorporates updated criteria for the minimum
Modified Energy Factor (MEF) of 1.72 and a
new maximum Water Factor (WF) of 8.0.
Based on criteria released March 7, 2008,
DOE will revise the ENERGY STAR criteria in
a two phase revision. The first revision will be
effective July 1, 2009 and the second will be
effective January 1, 2011.
May 1997
Jan 2001
Jan 2004
Jan 2007
Jul 2009
(Phase 1)
Jan 2011
(Phase 2)
Dehumidifiers
Jan 2001
Oct 1, 2007
55%
15%
Extended Industry Standard Architecture
(EISA) establishes ENERGY STAR Tier 3 as
a standard effective October 1, 2012.
Jan 2001
Oct 2006
Oct 2007
(Tier 2)
Jun 2008
(Tier 3)
Dishwashers
Jun1996
Jan 1, 2007
60%
20%**S
The new specification, effective January 1,
2007 incorporated updated criteria for the
minimum Energy Factor (EF) for standard-size
and compact models. EPACT 2005 requires
another revision to be final by the end of 2009,
with an effective date in 2010.
Jun 1996
Jan 2001
Jan 2007
Yes
63
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CURRENT SPECIFICATION
DISCUSSION
SPECIFICATION
HISTORY
Product Category
Effective Date
of Original
Specification
Effective Date
of Current
Specification
2007
Estimated
Market
Share* (% of
Total Sales/
Shipments)
of Qualified
Products
Percent
Savings
Over
Typical
Product*
(S indicates
federal
standard
exists)
Discussion of Recent and
Anticipated Specification Revision
Activities
History of
Revision
Effective
Date(s)
Under
review for
potential
revision?
Refrigerators and
freezers
Jun1996
Apr 28, 2008
35%***
15% S
The new specification, effective April 28,
2008, requires standard refrigerators to be
20% more efficient than the Federal standard.
Jun 1996
Jan 2001
Jan 2003
(added
freezers and
compacts)
Jan 2004
Apr 2008
Room air conditioners
Oct 1996
Nov 16, 2005
40%
10% S
In October 2005, the ENERGY STAR criteria
were expanded to include all categories of
room air conditioners.
Oct 1996
Oct 2000
Oct 2003
Nov 2005
Room air cleaners
Jul 2004
Jul 1, 2004
15%
45%
No changes scheduled at this time.
Jul 2004
HEATING AND COOLING
Boilers
Jun1996
Apr 1, 2002
50% (Gas)
70% (Oil)
5% S
April 2002 version expanded definition of
boiler to include combination space heating
and water heating appliances.
Jun 1996
Apr 2002
Ceiling fans
Jan 2002
Sep 1, 2006
35% (ceiling
fans only)
1% (ceiling fans
with lighting)
1% (ceiling fan
light kits)
45%
In 2006, EPA revised the specification to
make it easier for ceiling fan partners to
identify those requirements that apply
specifically to light kits by adding an Appendix
A. All other elements of the specification
remain unchanged.
Aug 2001
(Tier 1)
Oct 2003
(Tier 2)
Sep 2006
64
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CURRENT SPECIFICATION
DISCUSSION
SPECIFICATION
HISTORY
Product Category
Effective Date
of Original
Specification
Effective Date
of Current
Specification
2007
Estimated
Market
Share* (% of
Total Sales/
Shipments)
of Qualified
Products
Percent
Savings
Over
Typical
Product*
(S indicates
federal
standard
exists)
Discussion of Recent and
Anticipated Specification Revision
Activities
History of
Revision
Effective
Date(s)
Under
review for
potential
revision?
Air source heat pumps
Central air
conditioners
Apr 1995
Apr 1, 2006
22%
(air source heat
pumps)
18%
(central air
conditioners)
10% s
(air source
heat pumps)
15% S
(central air
conditioners)
In 2004, EPA revised the central air
conditioner/air source heat pump specification
in response to the new federal minimum
standards which match the ENERGY STAR
13 SEER requirement (new minimum
standards became effective January 1, 2006).
Tier 1, effective April 1, 2006, requires 14
SEER to qualify. In January 2009, this SEER
level will increase to 14.5 for split systems.
Both Tiers 1 and 2 also include EER
requirements.
Apr 1995
Oct 2002
Apr 2006
Jan 2009
(Tier 2)
Furnaces
Apr 1995
Oct 27, 2006
35% (Gas)
6% (Oil)
15% S
Effective October 27, 2006, EPA revised the
ENERGY STAR furnace specification to
require a more appropriate annual fuel
utilization efficiency (AFUE) level for oil
furnaces that takes into account the technical
challenges of oil technologies and product
availability, particularly in the Northeastern
United States. EPA discussed feasibility of
developing furnace fan requirements, but the
discussions indicated a need to delay the
inclusion of these requirements. EPA is,
however, proposing a new Tier II AFUE
requirement for gas furnaces of 92%,
effective in 2009.
Apr 1995
Oct 2006
2009
(proposed
Tier 2)
Yes
Geothermal heat
pumps
Apr 1995
Apr 1, 2001
30% S
No changes planned at this time.
Apr 2001
65
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CURRENT SPECIFICATION
DISCUSSION
SPECIFICATION
HISTORY
Product Category
Effective Date
of Original
Specification
Effective Date
of Current
Specification
2007
Estimated
Market
Share* (% of
Total Sales/
Shipments)
of Qualified
Products
Percent
Savings
Over
Typical
Product*
(S indicates
federal
standard
exists)
Discussion of Recent and
Anticipated Specification Revision
Activities
History of
Revision
Effective
Date(s)
Under
review for
potential
revision?
Light commercial
HVAC
Jan 2002
Jan 1, 2004
30%
5% S
Under review in light of EPAct standard going
into effect in 2010.
Jan 2002
Jan 2004
(three-phase
models)
Yes
Programmable
thermostats
Apr 1995
Apr 1,1995
35%
NA
Since 2002, EPA has been working with
industry stakeholders to determine the best
way to revise and implement a programmable
thermostat specification such that energy
savings are maximized and realized. Based
on field studies of consumer behavior that
were performed after this revision process
began, EPA has since proposed a transition
from a performance specification to a
consumer education campaign. If a new
performance specification cannot be finalized
by March 2009, the existing specification will
expire effective December 31, 2009.
Apr 1995
Feb 2008
Dec 2009
(proposed)
Yes
Ventilating fans
Jun 2001
Oct 1, 2003
13%
70%
Under review for potential revision to add
additional test procedures.
Jun 2001
Oct 2003
Yes
HOME ELECTRONICS
Battery charging
systems
Jan 2006
Jan 1, 2006
.2%
(Specification
launched in
2006)
30%
The battery charging system specification
was designed to complement the ENERGY
STAR external power supply (EPS)
specification. Together the two specifications
cover virtually all portable electronic devices.
Jan 2006
Yes
66
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CURRENT SPECIFICATION
DISCUSSION
SPECIFICATION
HISTORY
Product Category
Effective Date
of Original
Specification
Effective Date
of Current
Specification
2007
Estimated
Market
Share* (% of
Total Sales/
Shipments)
of Qualified
Products
Percent
Savings
Over
Typical
Product*
(S indicates
federal
standard
exists)
Discussion of Recent and
Anticipated Specification Revision
Activities
History of
Revision
Effective
Date(s)
Under
review for
potential
revision?
This allows EPA to address the energy use of
a variety of end use products without
developing individual specifications for these
products.
EPA is currently monitoring efforts to develop
a new performance-based test procedure for
battery charger systems, which is anticipated
to lead to a specification revision.
Cordless phones
Jan 2002
Nov 1,2006
20%
55%
As a result of revisions to the ENERGY STAR
specification for external power supplies, new
performance requirements for all cordless
phones will be effective November 1, 2008.
Jan 2002
Jan 2004
Nov 2006
Nov 2008
Combination units
Jan 1998
Jul 1, 2005
10%
40%
The Combination Units under this spec are
DVD/VCRs, TV/DVDs, and TV/VCRs.
Beginning Nov 2008, DVD/VCRs will be
covered under the DVD spec. TV/DVDs and
TV/VCRs will be covered under the TV spec.
Jan 1998
Jul 2002
Jul 2004
(Tier 2)
Jul 2005
(Tier 3)
Sep 2003
Nov 2008
Digital to analog (DTA)
converters
Jan 2007
Jan 31, 2007
NA
50%
Digital to analog (DTA) converter boxes must
incorporate an auto-power down feature to
automatically switch from the On mode to
Sleep mode without user input. The DTA
category does not include converters that
Jan 2007
67
-------
CURRENT SPECIFICATION
DISCUSSION
SPECIFICATION
HISTORY
Product Category
Effective Date
of Original
Specification
Effective Date
of Current
Specification
2007
Estimated
Market
Share* (% of
Total Sales/
Shipments)
of Qualified
Products
Percent
Savings
Over
Typical
Product*
(S indicates
federal
standard
exists)
Discussion of Recent and
Anticipated Specification Revision
Activities
History of
Revision
Effective
Date(s)
Under
review for
potential
revision?
work with satellite or cable digital signals, nor
does it cover devices with multi-functionality,
such as a DVD player with a digital to analog
conversion capability. The U.S. will shift to
digital-only TV broadcasts in February 2009.
DVD products
Jan 1999
Jan 1,2003
9%
40%
Under review for potential revision.
Jan 1999
Jan 2003
Yes
External power
adapters
Jan 2005
Jan 1, 2005
30%
35%
In April 2008, EPA finalized Tier 2 for external
power supplies with more stringent no-load
and active levels. Tier 2 is effective
November 1, 2008. The Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007
established the current (Tier 1) ENERGY
STAR specification as the federal standard,
effective July 1, 2008.
Jan 2005
Nov 2008
(Tier 2)
Home audio
Jan 1999
Jan 1,2003
25-30%
35%
Under review for potential revision.
Jan 1999
Jan 2003
Yes
Set-top boxes
Jan 2001
NA
NA
NA
The ENERGY STAR set-top box (STB)
specification was officially suspended as of
May 31, 2005 due to the need for extensive
research prior to setting new requirements.
In 2007, EPA began developing a new
ENERGY STAR specification for complex set
top boxes, as well as a complementary
Jan 2001
May 2005
(suspended)
Jan 1, 2009
68
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CURRENT SPECIFICATION
DISCUSSION
SPECIFICATION
HISTORY
Product Category
Effective Date
of Original
Specification
Effective Date
of Current
Specification
2007
Estimated
Market
Share* (% of
Total Sales/
Shipments)
of Qualified
Products
Percent
Savings
Over
Typical
Product*
(S indicates
federal
standard
exists)
Discussion of Recent and
Anticipated Specification Revision
Activities
History of
Revision
Effective
Date(s)
Under
review for
potential
revision?
partnership program for cable service
providers. The specification and service
provider partnership requirements were
finalized in April 2008 and will be effective
January 1, 2009.
Televisions
Jan 1998
Jul 1, 2005
60%
20%
In November 2008, a new ENERGY STAR
specification for TVs will be effective, which
addresses both active and standby power.
Jan 1998
Jul 2002
Jul 2004
(Tier 2)
Jul 2005
(Tier 3)
Sep 2003
Nov 2008
VCRs
Jan 1998
Jul 1, 2005
2%
55%
EPA has suspended the ENERGY STAR
specification for VCRs in light of diminishing
sales, effective November 1, 2008.
Jan 1998
Jul 2002
Jul 2004
(Tier 2)
Jul 2005
(Tier 3)
Nov 2008
69
-------
CURRENT SPECIFICATION
DISCUSSION
SPECIFICATION
HISTORY
Product Category
Effective Date
of Original
Specification
Effective Date
of Current
Specification
2007
Estimated
Market
Share* (% of
Total Sales/
Shipments)
of Qualified
Products
Percent
Savings
Over
Typical
Product*
(S indicates
federal
standard
exists)
Discussion of Recent and
Anticipated Specification Revision
Activities
History of
Revision
Effective
Date(s)
Under
review for
potential
revision?
HOME ENVELOPE
Insulation products
1995
2002
NA
NA
In 2002, EPA updated the insulation
specification (Version. 2.0), insulation
products logo, and incorporated promotion of
insulation into the Home Sealing marketing
platform to promote home envelope
improvement.
1995
2002
Roof products
Feb 1999
Dec 31,2007
10%
Residential
25%
Commercial
NA
Due to absence of conclusive data, EPA
determined that establishing an emissivity
requirement for a national program is not yet
feasible and elected not to pursue it as part of
the recent revision. Manufacturers are
required to report emissivity data for posting
on the ENERGY STAR Qualified Product list.
Feb 1999
Jun 2005
Dec 2007
Windows, doors, and
skylights
Mar 1998
Sep 19, 2005
55%A
NA
DOE is in preliminary discussions with
industry and stakeholders to require all
qualified windows to have the Insulated Glass
(IG) Units certified against a third party (e.g.,
ANSI) standard. In addition, two potential new
elements include separate criteria for doors
that differentiate between opaque and glazed
as well as an air leakage requirement.
Changes are proposed to be effective in
2009.
May 1997
Aug 2003
Sep 2005
Apr 2009
(proposed)
Yes
70
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CURRENT SPECIFICATION
DISCUSSION
SPECIFICATION
HISTORY
Product Category
Effective Date
of Original
Specification
Effective Date
of Current
Specification
2007
Estimated
Market
Share* (% of
Total Sales/
Shipments)
of Qualified
Products
Percent
Savings
Over
Typical
Product*
(S indicates
federal
standard
exists)
Discussion of Recent and
Anticipated Specification Revision
Activities
History of
Revision
Effective
Date(s)
Under
review for
potential
revision?
LIGHTING
Compact fluorescent
lamps
Oct 1999
Jan 1, 2004
20%
75%
Version 4.0, effective December 2, 2008,
increases efficacy of lamps; creates specialty
categories to encourage manufacture of
covered, dimming and multi-way lamps;
specifies CCT color ranges and chromaticity
tolerances; specifies CRI requirements and
tolerances; limits outliers on lumen
maintenance requirements; requires Elevated
Temperature Testing of reflector products
applicable to indoor use/recessed cans; and
initiates Third Party Testing and Verification
Program financed by manufacturers.
Oct 1999
Oct 2001
Jan 2004
Dec 2008
Decorative light strings
Aug 2007
Mar 1, 2008
NA
70%
In 2007, EPA with the help of Natural
Resources Canada (NRCan), set criteria for
decorative light strings based on electrical,
lifetime, and weathering requirements.
Aug 2007
Mar 2008
Exit signs
Sep 1996
Aug 1, 2004
35%
NAS
EPAct 2005 adopted ENERGY STAR
requirements for exit signs. As a result, EPA
suspended the ENERGY STAR exit sign
specification effective May 2008.
Sep 1996
Jan 1999
Aug 2004
May 2008
71
-------
CURRENT SPECIFICATION
DISCUSSION
SPECIFICATION
HISTORY
Product Category
Effective Date
of Original
Specification
Effective Date
of Current
Specification
2007
Estimated
Market
Share* (% of
Total Sales/
Shipments)
of Qualified
Products
Percent
Savings
Over
Typical
Product*
(S indicates
federal
standard
exists)
Discussion of Recent and
Anticipated Specification Revision
Activities
History of
Revision
Effective
Date(s)
Under
review for
potential
revision?
RLFs
Jun 1997
Oct 1, 2005
5%
75%
Version 4.1 adds testing and performance
requirements for self-ballasted GU24 based
lamps. To allow sufficient time for fixture
manufacturers to transition to GU24 based
lamps which have passed the Accelerated,
Cycling, Thermal, and Voltage stress test,
new GU24 requirements under version 4.1
are mandatory as of August 1, 2008.
Jun 1997
Jul 2001
Apr 2002
Sep 2003
Oct 2005
Aug 2008
Traffic Signals
Sep 2000
NA
NA
NAS
EPAct 2005 adopted ENERGY STAR
requirements for traffic signals. As a result,
EPA suspended the ENERGY STAR traffic
signal specification effective May 2007
Sep 2000
Feb 2003
May 2007
(Suspended)
OFFICE EQUIPMENT
Computers
Jun1992
Jul 20, 2007
NA
25%
Version 5.0, scheduled to go into effect July
2009, will make use of a single benchmark
metric that will provide increased design
flexibility for energy efficiency while
maintaining product capability and allowing
the ENERGY STAR specification to maintain
relevance in the dynamic IT market.
Jun 1992
Oct 1995
Jul 1999
Jul 2000
Jul 2007
Jul 2009
Yes
Monitors
Jun1992
Jan 1, 2006
50% (LCDs)
35%
EPA is currently reviewing the monitor
specification for possible revisions effective in
2009.
Jun 1992
Oct 1995
Jan 1998
Jul 1999
Yes
72
-------
CURRENT SPECIFICATION
DISCUSSION
SPECIFICATION
HISTORY
Product Category
Effective Date
of Original
Specification
Effective Date
of Current
Specification
2007
Estimated
Market
Share* (% of
Total Sales/
Shipments)
of Qualified
Products
Percent
Savings
Over
Typical
Product*
(S indicates
federal
standard
exists)
Discussion of Recent and
Anticipated Specification Revision
Activities
History of
Revision
Effective
Date(s)
Under
review for
potential
revision?
Jan 2005
Jan 2006
(Tier 2)
Copiers
Jul 1995
Apr 2007
50%
20%
In 2007, EPA revised and consolidated the
four separate imaging equipment
specifications into a single specification
addressing total energy consumption (TEC).
EPA is currently working to establish Tier 2
levels, which will go into effect in July 2009.
Jul 1995
Jul 1997
Jul 1999
Apr 2007
Jul 2009
(proposed)
Yes
Digital Duplicators
Apr 2007
Apr 1, 2007
NA
NA
Apr 2007
Jul 2009
(proposed)
Yes
Multi-Function Devices
Apr 1997
Apr 1, 2007
50%
25%
Apr 1997
Apr 1999
Apr 2007
Jul 2009
(proposed)
Yes
73
-------
CURRENT SPECIFICATION
DISCUSSION
SPECIFICATION
HISTORY
Product Category
Effective Date
of Original
Specification
Effective Date
of Current
Specification
2007
Estimated
Market
Share* (% of
Total Sales/
Shipments)
of Qualified
Products
Percent
Savings
Over
Typical
Product*
(S indicates
federal
standard
exists)
Discussion of Recent and
Anticipated Specification Revision
Activities
History of
Revision
Effective
Date(s)
Under
review for
potential
revision?
Printers, fax machines,
and mailing machines
Jan 1993
(printers)
Jul 1995
(fax machines)
Nov 2000 (mailing
machines)
Apr 1, 2007
50%
15%
printer
40%
Fax
NA
Mail Machine
In 2007, EPA revised and consolidated the
four separate imaging equipment
specifications into a single specification
addressing total energy consumption (TEC).
EPA is currently working to establish Tier 2
levels, which will go into effect in July 2009.
Jan 1993
(printers)
Jul 1995 (fax)
Oct 1995
(printers and
combination
printer/ fax)
Nov 2000
(mailing
machines)
Nov 2000
Nov 2001
(Tier 2)
Apr 2007
Jul 2009
(proposed)
Yes
Scanners
Apr 1997
Apr 1, 2007
50%
10%
Apr 1997
Apr 2007
Jul 2009
(proposed)
Yes
COMMERCIAL FOOD SERVICE
Commercial
dishwashers
Oct 2007
Oct 11, 2007
NA
25%
High and low under-counter temp, single tank
door type, single tank conveyor, and multiple
tank conveyor machines are all eligible for the
Oct 2007
74
-------
CURRENT SPECIFICATION
DISCUSSION
SPECIFICATION
HISTORY
Product Category
Effective Date
of Original
Specification
Effective Date
of Current
Specification
2007
Estimated
Market
Share* (% of
Total Sales/
Shipments)
of Qualified
Products
Percent
Savings
Over
Typical
Product*
(S indicates
federal
standard
exists)
Discussion of Recent and
Anticipated Specification Revision
Activities
History of
Revision
Effective
Date(s)
Under
review for
potential
revision?
ENERGY STAR. Qualified models must meet
maximum gallons per rack requirements
during the final rinse and use less energy
while idling between wash cycles.
Commercial fryers
Aug 2003
Aug 15, 2003
12%
20%
No changes planned at this time.
Aug 2003
Commercial hot food
holding cabinets
Aug 2003
Aug 15, 2003
18%
65%
No changes planned at this time.
Aug 2003
Commercial ice makers
Jan 2008
Jan 1,2008
NA
15%
EPA is considering adding flake and nugget
machines to the specification in 2009.
Jan 2008
Yes
Commercial solid door
refrigerators and
freezers
Sep 2001
Sep 1, 2001
40%
35%
Specification covers commercial solid door
refrigerators, freezers, combination
refrigerator/freezers, and ice-cream freezers.
EPA is considering revisiting the specification
to expand to models used in laboratory
applications, such as medical and
biotechnology applications. Current
performance levels will also be revisited in
response to new DOE minimum standards
that adopt ENERGY STAR levels, effective
January 1, 2010.
Sep 2001
May 2009
(proposed)
Yes
Commercial steam
cookers
Aug 2003
Aug 1, 2003
15%
50%
No revisions planned at this time.
75
-------
CURRENT SPECIFICATION
DISCUSSION
SPECIFICATION
HISTORY
Product Category
Effective Date
of Original
Specification
Effective Date
of Current
Specification
2007
Estimated
Market
Share* (% of
Total Sales/
Shipments)
of Qualified
Products
Percent
Savings
Over
Typical
Product*
(S indicates
federal
standard
exists)
Discussion of Recent and
Anticipated Specification Revision
Activities
History of
Revision
Effective
Date(s)
Under
review for
potential
revision?
OTHER
T ransformers
Apr 1995
NA
NA
NAS
EPAct 2005 adopted ENERGY STAR
requirements for transformers. As a result,
EPA suspended the ENERGY STAR
transformer specification, effective May 2007.
Apr 1995
May 2007
(Suspended)
Vending machines
Apr 2004
Apr 1, 2004
July 1, 2007
22%
40%
This ENERGY STAR specification initially
applied only to newly manufactured machine
models. However, given the large
remanufactured machine market, EPA
expanded the program to rebuilt machines.
Apr 2004
Jul 2007
(Tier 2)
Aug 2006
(rebuilt
machines)
Jul 2007
(Tier 2)
Water coolers
Sep 2000
May 19, 2004
45%
45%
EPA will revisit this product category in 2009
for possible revision to performance criteria.
Sep 2000
May 2004
Yes
* Source: Sanchez, M., C.A. Webber, R.E. Brown, and G.K. Homan. 2007. Status Report: Savings Estimates for the ENERGY STAR Voluntary Labeling Program.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. (LBNL-56380 (2007)) and other supporting spreadsheets.
** Percent Savings is based on average non-ENERGY STAR model compared to average ENERGY STAR model because so many models are above the
federal standard. This comparison is more accurate than comparing federal minimum standard vs. ENERGY STAR minimum standard.
*** Market penetration (MP) for refrigerators only; MP for freezers not provided in shipment data.
**** Percent of ENERGY STAR qualified geothermal heat pumps as a percent of U.S. total heat pump market. The percentage of ENERGY STAR qualified geothermal
heat pumps as a percent of U.S. total geothermal heat pump market is 55%.
A As reported in Study of the U.S. Market for Windows, AAMA/WDMA 2006.
76
-------
Table 11. New Products Currently Being Evaluated for ENERGY STAR Label Eligibility
Product category
Agency lead
Discussion
Water heaters
DOE
Final criteria will be released on April 2008 with
an effective date of January 1, 2009.
Packaged terminal air
conditioners and heat pumps
DOE
Due to mandated changes to both the federal
standard and the required coolant, the
ENERGY STAR criteria for PTACs have been
delayed. DOE will look into the possibility of
developing criteria once the federal standard is
announced to take effect the same day as the
federal standard takes effect.
Solid-state Lighting
Luminaires
DOE
Final criteria were released September 2007
with effective date of September 2008 for an
initial set of lighting product categories.
Commercial Griddles
EPA
Commercial griddles will be added to the suite
of commercial foodservice products. Initial
research has shown that there are existing
technologies available in the griddle market
that offer significant energy savings.
Enterprise Servers
EPA
A new ENERGY STAR specification for
enterprise servers is in development. Draft 1 of
the computer server specification is complete
and awaiting stakeholder review. Elements of
server efficiency EPA is hoping to address
include the wide range of products, power
supply efficiency, and idle power. In addition
there will be standard information reporting
requirements, power and temperature
measurement requirements, power
management and virtualization requirements,
and energy efficiency performance
benchmarks.
Data Storage Devices
EPA
As a complement to its work on Enterprise
Servers, EPA is considering a specification for
Data Storage Devices.
77
-------
Table 12. Revisions to Homes Specifications
Home Type
Specification
Effective
Dates
Cumulative Energy
Savings
Discussion
Pre - 2000 era
Site built
only
30 percent more efficient than 1993
Model Energy Code (MEC), verified
by HERS rating score of > 86
1995-
1999
50 million kWh
4 million therms
Measurement protocols set in original 1995
HERS Guidelines (uses 1993 MEC as
Reference Home)
2000 - 2005 era
Site built
HERS rating score > 86 or 15
percent better than state energy
code, whichever is more stringent
2000-
2005
2,440 million kWh
185 million therms
Measurement protocols set in 1999 NASEO
(National Association of State Energy
Officials) National Home Energy Rating
Technical Guidelines adopted 9/19/1999
(uses 1993 MEC as Reference Home)
Mfg.
Same as above
2000-
2005
70 million kWh
5 million therms
Same as above
Total
2000-
2005
2,510 million kWh
190 million therms
2006 - on
Site built
HERS Index < 80 in cold climates, <
85 in hot climates, or built to the
national BOP, or 15 percent better
than state energy code, whichever
is more stringent
2006 - on
2,765 million kWh
212 million therms
Measurement protocols set in 2006
Mortgage Industry National Home Energy
Rating Standards (uses 2004 IECC as
Reference Home) and thermal bypass
checklist
Mfg.
Builder Option packages designed
to achieve a 30 percent energy
savings over governing codes for
manufactured housing
2006 - on
105 million kWh
8 million therms
BOP protocols developed by EPA
Total
2870 million kWh
220 million therms
78
-------
Section VI. Ensuring compliance with other Partnership
Agreement requirements
EPA and DOE have invested significantly in pursuing both the voluntary and required data submission
provisions of some Partnership Agreements. Tracking the market share of ENERGY STAR qualified
products helps inform future specification revisions and program progress in delivering energy savings
and related greenhouse gas emission reductions. EPA and DOE monitor both manufacturer shipment
data and retailer sales data.
A. Manufacturer shipment data
As detailed previously in Table 3, product manufacturers for some categories are required to annually
provide unit shipment data, provide other market indicators to assist in determining the market
penetration of ENERGY STAR qualified units by model or provide an equivalent measurement as
agreed to in advance by EPA and the partner. Since 2002, EPA has collected data from partners on
their annual shipments of ENERGY STAR qualified products to the United States. Shipment data was
added as a requirement to Partnership Agreements for all EPA managed product categories that have
been revised or developed since 2001. Currently, shipment data is required in 27 EPA product
categories, up from 19 in 2004. In addition, DOE requires shipment data for manufacturers of CFLs
and other ENERGY STAR qualified products.
Partners who do not comply with requirements to provide shipment data are sent reminders and
warning letters notifying them that they will be suspended from the program if they do not comply with
the requirement by a specified date. Once a partnership has been suspended, company partnership
information and products submitted to EPA as ENERGY STAR qualified are removed from the
ENERGY STAR Web site for a minimum of 3 months. If a partner submits data prior to the end of the
3-month suspension period, the partner can be reinstated. Those that do not comply with data
requirements within the suspension period have their Partnership Agreements in the relevant product
category terminated and must reapply for partnership and re-qualify all of their products to be
reinstated.
In 2006, 678 companies were required to submit ENERGY STAR unit shipment data. By May 25,
2006, 573 had submitted data. The remaining 105 companies were notified that their Partnership
Agreements were being suspended. By September 10, 2006, an additional 53 companies had
submitted data. The remaining 52 companies were notified that their Partnership Agreements were
being terminated for not complying with the ENERGY STAR Partnership requirement to submit unit
shipment data. As shown below in Table 13, 92 percent of partners with mandatory requirements for
market data submission were in compliance with this provision of the Partnership Agreement.
79
-------
Table 13. Compliance with Manufacturer Product Shipment Data Requirement
Product Category
2004 Responses
2004 Total
Required to
Respond
2004
Response
Rate (%)
2005
Responses
2005 Total
Required to
Respond
2005
Response
Rate (%)
2006
Responses
2006 Total
Required to
Respond
2006
Response
Rate (%)
Appliances
Clothes washers
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Dehumidifiers
13
13
100%
15
16
94%
15
15
100%
Dishwashers
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Refrigerators and
freezers
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Room air conditioners
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Room air cleaners
No specification
__
10
11
91%
12
12
100%
Heating and
Cooling
Boilers
26
29
90%
21
26
81%
26
27
96%
Ceiling fans
21
23
91%
25
25
100%
26
27
96%
Central air
conditioners and air
source heat pumps*
Requirement
temporarily
suspended
14
17
82%
17
17
100%
Furnaces
22
23
96%
23
24
96%
23
24
96%
Geothermal heat
pumps
9
9
100%
8
12
67%
8
8
100%
Light commercial
HVAC*
Requirement
temporarily
suspended
Not Reported
7
9
78%
9
9
100%
Programmable
thermostats
Ventilating fans
9
9
100%
10
10
100%
13
13
100%
Home
Electronics
Battery charging
systems
No Specification
No
Specification
4
100%
Cordless phones
3
5
60%
3
4
75%
3
3
100%
Combination units
__
__
__
__
__
__
External power
adapters
No specification
14
14
100%
31
42
74%
Home audio/DVD
products
11
18
61%
9
9
4
100%
8
10
80%
TVs/VCRs
20
26
77%
17
18
94%
18
18
100%
Home
Envelope
Insulation and air
sealing (home
sealing)
Roof products
169
185
91%
160
178
89%
163
173
94%
Windows, doors, and
skylights
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
80
-------
Product Category
2004 Responses
2004 Total
Required to
Respond
2004
Response
Rate (%)
2005
Responses
2005 Total
Required to
Respond
2005
Response
Rate (%)
2006
Responses
2006 Total
Required to
Respond
2006
Response
Rate (%)
Lighting
Compact fluorescent
lamps
54
90
60%
60
80
75%
NA
NA
NA
Exit signs
39
43
91%
40
42
95%
48
52
92%
RLFs
63
66
95%
71
76
93%
76
77
99%
Traffic signals
7
9
78%
8
8
100%
5
9
56%
Office
Equipment
Computers
__
__
__
__
__
__
Copiers, Digital
Duplicators
Monitors
__
__
__
35
41
85%
36
44
82%
Multi-function devices
__
__
__
__
__
__
Printers, fax
machines, and mailing
machines
Scanners
__
__
__
__
__
__
Commercial
Food
Commercial hot food
holding cabinets
7
7
100%
8
8
100%
13
13
100%
Service
Commercial fryers
5
5
100%
5
5
100%
6
6
100%
Commercial solid door
refrigerators and
freezers
14
16
88%
16
17
94%
19
19
100%
Commercial steam
cookers
7
7
100%
7
7
100%
5
5
100%
Other
Transformers
20
21
95%
25
26
96%
19
26
73%
Vending machines
New product**
__
3
3
100%
3
3
100%
Water coolers
10
12
83%
12
12
100%
12
12
100%
Total
529
616
86%
686
778
88%
626
678
92%
* Due to suspension of the EER requirement for the Residential CAC/ASHP from November 30, 2003 to August 4, 2005, EPA determined that it
would have been difficult for the manufacturers to determine shipments of ENERGY STAR qualified units in 2004. Given the overlap between
residential CAC/ASHP and light commercial HVAC models, EPA also suspended data requirements from manufacturers of light commercial
products in 2004.
** Vending machines were introduced as a product category in 2004; as such a full year's worth of data was unavailable at this time,
indicates shipment data not a requirement during that year.
81
-------
B. Retailer sales data
Since 1998, ENERGY STAR has collected retail appliance sales data from participating national
ENERGY STAR retail partners. The current ENERGY STAR retail program requirements specifically
note that retailers of clothes washers, dishwashers, room air conditioners, and refrigerators are
required to submit quarterly "sales data or other market indicators." The data requested are:
• Type of product purchased
• Total inventory in units
• Number of ENERGY STAR qualified units sold, with the manufacturer model number
• Store location
• Date of sale
A number of national retailers submit appliance data for aggregation and publishing and have since
1997. However, no retailer submits sales data that meet all of the above requirements.
Several barriers impede the process of publishing quarterly ENERGY STAR qualified product sales
data, including:
• Limited retailer resources
• Retail staffing changes
• Competitive and confidentiality concerns
• Product identification/tracking/reporting difficulties
Due to competitive and confidentiality concerns, a key condition of receiving data is that no data are
submitted directly to ENERGY STAR but rather to private companies, which are not subject to
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. The private companies work to ensure that no individual
retailer sales can be identified from the aggregated sales data and does not identify individual
participating retailers. Confidentiality is protected by aggregating data and ensuring that a minimum of
three large retailers participate. This threshold is meant to 1) provide sufficient data for analysis and 2)
protect against identification of sources of sales data.
It is important to note that the retail partner program requirements do not include submission of CFL
data at this time. But, DOE and EPA are in the process of updating the sales data language for the
ENERGY STAR retail/e-tail program requirements that will require the submission of quarterly sales
data for additional qualified products, including CFLs and RLFs. In 2007, however, major retailers
voluntarily began submitting data for residential lighting products.
Conclusion
The increasing introduction of new and enhanced energy-efficient technologies and products
represents great success and brings new challenges for the ENERGY STAR program. The dynamic
nature of the program demands that EPA and DOE continue to adapt program offerings, product
specifications, and brand management to meet these challenges. The current monitoring activities
and testing protocols help ensure that EPA and DOE are maintaining the value of ENERGY STAR
today and for the future.
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