How Do I Get An Energy Star Label?
What is the ENERGY STAR label?
The ENERGY STAR label was introduced in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a voluntary program to identify and promote energy-efficient products in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the EPA’s website, “ENERGY STAR was established to introduce energy efficiency into the marketplace through voluntary labeling of energy-efficient products” (History & Accomplishments).
The blue ENERGY STAR label signifies that a product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. Products that earn the label are certified to use less energy, save money on utility bills, and help protect the environment. There are over 70 product categories that can earn the ENERGY STAR label, including major appliances, office equipment, lighting, and consumer electronics.
The EPA works with trusted, independent third-party certification bodies to test products and verify ENERGY STAR certification. Products must deliver the features and performance demanded by consumers in order to earn the label. The EPA also regularly revises its guidelines to make sure labeled products remain among the most efficient in their category.
Benefits of earning the ENERGY STAR label
There are several advantages to earning the ENERGY STAR label for your home or commercial building, including environmental, financial, and promotional benefits.
On the environmental side, ENERGY STAR certified buildings generate 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than average buildings, according to the EPA (1). By using less energy, they significantly reduce environmental impact.
In terms of cost savings, ENERGY STAR certified buildings consume 25-30% less energy and have lower operating costs than typical buildings (2). Reducing your energy usage directly translates into lower utility bills and long-term savings.
Finally, the ENERGY STAR label allows for marketing and promotional benefits. It demonstrates to tenants, employees, and customers that you are committed to environmental stewardship and providing a high-performance building.
Eligibility Requirements
To earn the ENERGY STAR label, products must meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the EPA and DOE. The specific requirements vary based on the product category.
The main product categories that are eligible for ENERGY STAR certification include appliances, lighting, electronics, and heating and cooling equipment. Some examples of covered products are refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, air conditioners, LED light bulbs, computers, and commercial HVAC systems.
For each product type, the ENERGY STAR program establishes specific qualification criteria and minimum efficiency levels. For example, to earn the ENERGY STAR label, a refrigerator must be at least 10% more energy efficient than the federal minimum standard. All criteria are designed to identify the top tier of energy performers in a given category.
To verify that products meet the ENERGY STAR requirements, manufacturers must test their products at an EPA-recognized laboratory. The specific test methods vary based on the product type. For appliances, the test methods are designed to simulate real-world usage. For commercial equipment like HVAC systems, the metrics focus on efficiency during peak operating conditions.
Testing and certification process
To earn the ENERGY STAR label, a building must undergo third-party verification and inspection by an EPA-recognized certification body. The specific testing process depends on the building type, but generally involves the following steps:
First, benchmark the building’s energy performance using EPA’s Portfolio Manager tool for at least one year. Portfolio Manager will generate an ENERGY STAR score on a scale of 1-100 to reflect overall energy efficiency. To be eligible for ENERGY STAR certification, the building must achieve a score of 75 or higher, indicating it performs better than at least 75% of similar buildings nationwide.
Next, partner with an EPA-recognized certification body to verify ENERGY STAR certification requirements are met. The certification body will review documentation, inspect the physical building and systems, and validate the ENERGY STAR score.
Finally, submit a formal application through Portfolio Manager, documenting compliance with all program requirements. The application requires evidence of the verified ENERGY STAR score of 75+, as well as supporting documentation from the certification body.
Once approved, the certification is valid for one year. To maintain ENERGY STAR certification, the building must be re-verified annually and continue achieving a score of 75 or higher.
Earning the ENERGY STAR label
Once your product meets all the ENERGY STAR requirements and passes third-party testing, it will be certified by the EPA. You will then receive authorization to apply the ENERGY STAR certification mark and promote your product as ENERGY STAR certified.
The ENERGY STAR logo is a valuable marketing tool that immediately conveys energy efficiency to customers. There are specific guidelines around using the ENERGY STAR name and logo, which can be found on the ENERGY STAR website. Partners must follow these guidelines carefully.
There are many ways to promote ENERGY STAR certification and maximize its value. Consider featuring the certification prominently on product packaging, websites, and other marketing materials. Develop educational content and campaigns that showcase the certification and its benefits. Coordinate joint marketing opportunities with other ENERGY STAR partners. Work closely with retailers, sales staff, and contractors to leverage the certification in their marketing as well. The ENERGY STAR website provides a wealth of ideas and resources for effectively promoting certified products.
Maintaining Certification
To ensure ENERGY STAR certified products continue to meet strict energy efficiency requirements over time, the EPA has a re-testing and verification process (https://www.energystar.gov/about/how_energy_star_works/ENERGY_STAR_certification). Manufacturers must regularly test certified product models and report the results to the EPA. The testing interval varies by product type, but is typically once per year.
Manufacturers must immediately report any changes or modifications to certified products that could affect energy performance to the EPA. This includes changes to individual models as well as entire product lines. The EPA may request re-testing and re-certification if they determine changes could impact a product’s certification.
To renew ENERGY STAR certification, manufacturers must verify on an annual basis that existing certified product models continue to meet program requirements. This can be done by conducting ongoing testing or by sending a letter to the EPA confirming that no changes have been made that would affect certification. The EPA encourages early renewal to prevent any lapse in certification (https://www.energystar.gov/about/how_energy_star_works/ENERGY_STAR_certification).
Adding product models
Once a manufacturer earns ENERGY STAR certification for a product model, there is a streamlined process to expand certification to additional models. Partners can add new models through the following steps:
Review the expanded model to ensure it meets current ENERGY STAR requirements. Models must match the original certified product type and basic features.
Submit a request to EPA’s ENERGY STAR team to add the new model, providing details on the product specifications. Partners can submit through the online form or by email.
After review, the EPA will approve qualified models and update the certified product list. Newly added models can immediately begin using the ENERGY STAR certification mark.
According to the ENERGY STAR website, “This addition will allow UPC codes to be included on all qualified product lists and builds on the current infrastructure for certification information, which allows for an expedited process to certify additional models.” Adding models is a key advantage of the established partnership.
Partnership and resources
Companies can join the ENERGY STAR program as partners by signing an ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement. Partners must commit to meet program requirements, including promoting ENERGY STAR certified products and proving the energy efficiency of manufactured products. For additional details on becoming an ENERGY STAR partner, see Become an ENERGY STAR Partner.
ENERGY STAR partners gain access to resources and support for implementing and promoting ENERGY STAR. Partners can access the ENERGY STAR identity for marketing and communications, including the ENERGY STAR logo. They also gain access to the partner resources website, which includes marketing materials, data, specifications, and updates on new ENERGY STAR initiatives. Partners are invited to annual partner meetings to network and share best practices. For details, see The ENERGY STAR Partnership.
In summary, joining ENERGY STAR as a partner provides companies with support and resources for meeting program requirements and effectively promoting certified products and buildings.
International certification
The ENERGY STAR label is recognized globally as a symbol of energy efficiency. Products can be certified internationally through partnerships between the EPA and agencies in other countries (ENERGY STAR International Partners).
Each country has their own local certification process that products must meet. For example, Natural Resources Canada administers the ENERGY STAR program for Canada with unique certification requirements (ENERGY STAR International Partners). Partnerships allow products to be certified once in their home country and recognized more broadly.
Checking for certification on the local ENERGY STAR website will provide details on models available in your region. The program aims to make energy efficient choices easy and recognizable worldwide through a single global brand.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about earning the ENERGY STAR label:
How much does it cost to earn ENERGY STAR certification?
There is no cost to apply for or earn ENERGY STAR certification. However, buildings’ applications must be verified by a professional engineer or registered architect, which requires hiring a qualified professional. Overall costs depend on the size and complexity of the building. Learn more at Media FAQs about ENERGY STAR for Commercial and Industrial Buildings.
How long does it take to earn certification?
The length of the certification process depends on the building size and complexity. Simple applications can take just a few weeks, while larger buildings may take several months for data review and certification. The application requires 12 consecutive months of energy data, so buildings must be fully operational for at least a year before applying.
When do I need to renew certification?
ENERGY STAR certification is valid for one year. To remain certified, buildings must submit a renewal application each year to verify continued high performance. Learn more at ENERGY STAR Certification for Buildings.
What are the eligibility requirements?
To be eligible for ENERGY STAR certification, buildings must meet the following requirements:
- Earn an ENERGY STAR score of 75 or higher on EPA’s 1-100 scale.
- Comply with certain building use details based on space types.
- Have at least one year of complete energy data.
- Have a licensed professional certify the completed application.
Specific eligibility details are available in the program requirements.
