EPA, Energy Dept. announce Energy Star revamp after negative report

The U.S. EPA and the Energy Department on Wednesday announced an overhaul of the Energy Star appliance labeling program aimed at preventing products that don’t meet the program’s efficiency requirements from receiving the Energy Star label.

The agencies said the revisions speed up several changes that were already underway to bolster product verification, testing and enforcement.

But they also follow a recent Government Accountability office audit that found the popular program is “vulnerable to fraud and abuse.” The congressional auditors were able to obtain Energy Star certifications for bogus products, including a gas-powered alarm clock.

Among the several changes to the program: Manufacturers seeking the Energy Star certification for products must submit complete lab reports and results for EPA approval before labeling; and EPA and DoE are requiring manufacturers to submit test results from an approved, accredited lab.

“Testing in an accredited lab is currently required for certain product categories including windows, doors, skylights and compact fluorescent lighting. The new process will extend the requirement to each of the more than 60 eligible product categories under the Energy Star program,” the agencies said in announcing the program changes.

Another revision:

“Following a thorough review of the Energy Star qualification approval process, EPA has strengthened its approval systems and is no longer relying on an automated approval process.  All new qualification applications will be reviewed and approved individually by EPA.”