Energy Star Faq

7/30/2019 Energy Star Faq

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Intertek Testing Services70 Codman Hill Road

Boxborough, MA 01719

www.intertek.com 1-800-WORLD LAB [email protected]

Insightful ENERGY STAR FAQs

for Staying Ahead of the Game


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Insightful ENERGY STAR FAQs forStaying Ahead of the Game

www.intertek.com/energystar 2

Contents

Introduction .....................................................................................................3About EPAs ENERGY STAR Program..................................................................3

Momentum Achieved.................................................................................. 3Cause and Effect......................................................................................... 4

Qualification Procedures Changes..................................................................... 5Certification Body Approval......................................................................... 5Updates for Testing and Verification............................................................ 8

So You Want your Product ENERGY STAR Certified.......................................... 9Third-Party Testing Options ......................................................................... 9Data Acceptance Programs........................................................................ 11

Keeping Up with Spec Changes.......................................................................12

Revisions & Development .......................................................................... 12Updates to the ENERGY STAR Partner Agreement............................................14Global Energy Efficiency ................................................................................. 15Conclusion ...................................................................................................... 16

About Intertek.................................................................................................16


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Introduction

The rapid growth of the ENERGY STAR program in the last decade has not come without

challenges, and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has addressed those problemsby implementing a system of product testing and maintenance that is more thorough andaccurate. Becoming familiar with EPAs Third-Party Certification procedures will aidmanufacturers strategizing to update and qualify new products for ENERGY STAR.

About EPAs ENERGY STAR Program

The ENERGY STAR program is a dynamic government and industry partnership that createsenergy efficiency solutions for businesses and consumers. The program makes it easy to savemoney while protecting the environment for future generations. ENERGY STAR has become

the nation's symbol for energy efficiency and enables consumers to easily identify energy-efficient appliances, electronics, office equipment, lighting and building products.

The primary function of EPA's ENERGY STAR program is to promote the use of energy-efficient products by giving consumers an easy way to identify those products that meet orexceed the specified minimum performance levels for energy efficiency. Over the history ofthe program, ENERGY STAR has become one of the most widely recognized consumer brandsand has made it easy for millions to bring energy efficiency home. In 2009 the estimatedenergy savings from products in the program helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions equalto what 30 million cars would have produced. The cost savings on utility bills, according toEPA, would equate to almost $17 billion.

Momentum AchievedAs awareness grew and demand for ENERGY STAR products increased, manufacturers putmore of their R&D into developing energy-efficient products and more marketing resourcesinto promoting them. Today, the success of the ENERGY STAR brand can be seen in its public,industrial and governmental level of awareness. Consumers have come to recognize andoften demand the ENERGY STAR label. Retailers use the label as a selling feature.Manufacturers have come to understand that the ENERGY STAR label is a must-havecomponent of sustainability and environmental responsibility.

1992EPA launched the ENERGY STAR program

1996EPA formed a partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE). Thefollowing years revealed a number of new home products added to the list

2002Widespread success of the ENERGY STAR program is firmly establishedwhen the one-billionth ENERGY STAR product was purchased


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Q: What does the ENERGY STAR label represent?A: The ENERGY STAR label signifies savings: energy andmoney. ENERGY STAR products canhelp homeowners reduce energy costs by as much as 30%.

Q: How does EPA regulate which products earn the label?A: Products earn the ENERGY STAR label by following a set of key guiding principlesregulated by EPA. General ENERGY STAR product requirements for efficiency are detailedhere:

Product categories must contribute significant energy savings nationwide. Qualified products must deliver the energy-efficient features and performance that

consumers demand.

Verification with testing can be used to measure a products energy consumption andperformance.

Should the qualified product cost more than a comparable, less efficient product, thepurchaser will recover their investment in increased energy efficiency within areasonable period of time through utility bill savings.

Cause and Effect

Q: Why has EPA made revisions to the ENERGY STAR program?A: ENERGY STAR has received a lot of media attention for vulnerabilities in the certificationprocess. A 2007 audit by the EPA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) identified problems withEPA's ENERGY STAR process and accuracy control. Due to the lackof third-party testing, products were gaining verification withoutmeeting proper standards.

In 2009, another OIG report revealed that there had been fewimprovements to the process since 2008 and recommended,again, that the EPA do a much better job of verifying results usedto qualify a product to bear the ENERGY STAR label.

While OIG results showed that 98% of ENERGY STAR productsdid qualify for the label, the small number of products that didnot were enough to potentially hurt the credibility of one of theworld's most successful and beneficial brands. ENERGY STAR tookthe recommendations to heart, and by the time the November 2009 OIG report was issued,

the program had already started taking action against a number of products and companiesfound to be non-compliant.

Q: When did the ENERGY STAR Third-Party Certification procedures take effect?A: The newly updated product approval process is currently in effect (as of January 1, 2011).Changes include the introduction of a number of new players (detailed in this white paper),new third-party testing and annual verification requirements, as well as a slew of revisions forvarious product specifications.

The problems the OIGidentified included:

Insufficient verificationtesting

Inconsistent testselection methods

Lack of ongoingverification testing forsome product categories.

Lack of a robust qualityassurance plan


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Qualification Procedures Changes

Certification Body Approval

New EPA rules for product certification require that Certification Bodies (CBs) be accredited toISO/IEC Guide 65, which specifies requirements for third-party product certification systems. ACB is responsible for verifying that the test data originated from an EPA-RecognizedLaboratory, and for comparing test data to relevant product specifications. The new system

changes require manufacturers to providelaboratory verification reports for every model,which then require approval prior to proceeding.

Following these program upgrades will protectthe integrity of ENERGY STAR and serve topromote overall efficiency.

Q: How will the new ENERGY STAR Third-Party Certification procedures change theways in which Partners qualify products?A: Under the new requirements, Partners will berequired to test their products in an EPA-Recognized Testing Laboratory of their choice,and ensure that that laboratory submits the

resultant product test reports to an EPA-Recognized Certification Body. Upon a successfulreview of a product test report, the CB will notify the Partner that the product in question isqualified, and submit the qualified product data to EPA for listing on the ENERGY STARwebsite.

Q: How does EPA recognition of Accreditation Bodies, Laboratories or CertificationBodies work?A: An Accreditation Body (AB) for the ENERGY STAR Laboratory Recognition Program isresponsible for assessing laboratory operations for compliance and maintainingdocumentation and an up-to-date directory identifying all EPA-Recognized Laboratories thatthe AB has accredited.

An EPA-Recognized Laboratory is required to comply with test methods outlined in theENERGY STAR program. As part of the reporting process the lab must submit a copy of theiraccreditation certificate and scope of accreditation to EPA.

An EPA-Recognized Certification Body must maintain ISO Guide 65 accreditation. The CB isresponsible for assessing whether a product meets relevant ENERGY STAR performanceparameters and for determining a products qualification. Through direct communication withEPA, a CB submits qualified products for listing, maintains auditable records of each productsqualification and verification history and issues each Notice of ENERGY STAR Certification.Essentially, this certification notice is a green light for manufacturers to use the ENERGY STARlogo with each certified product.


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Q: How do I partner with a Certification Body for ENERGY STAR verification?A: The process for partnering with a CB is straightforward: Simply reach out to yourpreferred CB and let them know you are interested. The CB will provide a quotation

and, once agreed upon, a project is opened and the relationship begins.

Q: Is Intertek an EPA-Recognized Certification Body?A: Yes. Intertek was the first EPA-Recognized CB to cover certification for allgas andelectrical ENERGY STAR product categories, including more than 60 product types acrossAppliances, Home Electronics, Information Technology, Lighting and Commercial FoodserviceEquipment.

Q: Am I required to use an accredited laboratory for ENERGY STAR testing?A: You are required to use an EPA-Recognized Laboratory, however not all EPA-RecognizedLaboratories must be accredited. For example, first-party

laboratories may gain EPA recognition by demonstratingenrollment in an EPA-Recognized Certification BodysSupervised or Witnessed Manufacturer Testing Laboratory(SMTL/WMTL) program. This path to enrollment is analternative to gaining recognition via EPAs laboratoryrecognition application form, which requires formalaccreditation.

Q: Do I need formal ISO 17025 Accreditation to be anEPA-Recognized Laboratory?A: No, you do not. If you are a manufacturerparticipating in your CBs Supervised Manufacturer Testing

Laboratory (SMTL) program and/or WitnessedManufacturer Testing Laboratory (WMTL) program thenyou are acknowledged as an EPA-Recognized Laboratory.However, if you do choose to become accredited to theISO 17025 standard, you must still work with a CB to getyour products ENERGY STAR qualified.

Q: If I require off-the-line testing, can I conduct verification testing through a first-party laboratory?A: If off-the-line testing is the only feasible option (applicable for units obtained off-the-linefrom the manufacturing facility), manufacturers are permitted to conduct testing in an EPA-recognized first-party lab provided that qualified CB personnel witness the test. EPAanticipates that off-the-line testing will only be an option for extremely large, expensive orcustom-built products.

Q: If I am an EPA-recognized manufacturer lab, can I use multiple CertificationBodies?A: Yes, as long as you are in compliance with EPA programs. While EPA's preference is thatmanufacturers choose only one CB per product category, the Agency does not require them


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to do so. However, from an operational standpoint it would prove strategically beneficial formanufacturers to develop a confident partnership with a single Certification Body.

Q: For product certification, what documentation does the CB require? Similarly,what documentation does the CB provide?A: Documentation Required: The CB will require a completed test report and your signedcertification agreement, as well as the product data.

Documentation Provided: Once the product is certified, the CB will provide the client with aNotice of ENERGY STAR Certification, which confirms approval and access to use the ENERGYSTAR logo with each certified product. This Notice is also an indication that the CB hassubmitted approval documentation to the EPA.

Q: How much time is required for a Certification Body to review a test report?

A: Intertek delivers 24-hour certification and submittal to EPA once testing is completed.That means that once test data is received, Intertek will review and accept the test reportAND provide the Notice of ENERGY STAR Certification within 24 hours. You can start markingimmediately (as long as all Partner agreements are in place), but it is unsure at this time howlong it will take for the product to appear on ENERGY STAR qualifying products lists.

However, EPA anticipates this will differ between product categories and certification bodies.As part of its application, a CB is required to provide EPA with a detailed description of itsreview process in order to allow EPA to estimate its potential impact on Partners productcycles. EPA intends to seek a commitment from Certification Bodies to review test reportswithin a timeframe that adequately addresses Partners concerns regarding productdevelopment cycles and time-to-market objectives.

Q: Will EPA fund the new testing and verification procedures? How much will thenew testing and verification procedures cost?A: No. Partners will pay laboratories and CBs directly in order to obtain the required third-party testing and verification. Fees and costs associated with the mandatory testing andcertification will vary between CBs, and test labs.

Q: Where can I find a list of EPA-Recognized Accreditation Bodies, Laboratories orCertification Bodies?A: Links to these lists are provided on ENERGY STARs Partner Resources webpage:www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=partners.enhanced_test_verification. Here you will also findinformation about Interteks various EPA-verified accreditations. EPA continues to processapplications for recognition and will update these lists on an ongoing basis.


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Product types without newspecifications in 2011-20012

are subject to annualverification. These include:

- Commercial Steam Cookers- Commercial

Refrigerators/Freezers- Commercial Gas Griddles

- Roofing Products- Windows, Doors & Skylights- Central A/C Systems- Air Source Heat Pumps- Geothermal Heat Pumps- Light Commercial HVAC- Room Air Cleaners

Updates for Third-Party Certification

Q: Will my currently qualified ENERGY STAR products need to be retested in 2011?

A: If your products were ENERGY STAR qualified prior to 2011, there are two things that canhappen:

1. Products with specification revisions which haveeffective dates in either 2011 or 2012 will be subjectto the new third-party certification requirements atthe time that the defined specifications go into effect,and will not have to go through re-verification untilthat time.

2. If an existing ENERGY STAR product specification isnot undergoing a revision in 2011 or early 2012 andyou wish to continue ENERGY STAR labeling on thatproduct, then you must provide productcharacteristics and ratings to a Certification Body ofyour choice by March 31, 2011.

Q: Will products be subject to ongoing verificationtesting, and how often will this occur?A: Under the new restrictions, the qualification processdoesn't end with EPA's approval to use the ENERGY STAR label. An ENERGY STAR qualifiedproduct is subject to on-going verification testing throughout its lifecycle. EPAs objective is toensure that a product continues to comply with ENERGY STAR requirements in production

after initial certification.

As required by EPA, CBs will begin the verification testing regimen in 2011 on the abovelisted products as well as newly certified ENERGY STAR products. Both CBs and the EPA havethe discretion to determine when products will be selected, so the testing may take place ona quarterly, bi-annual, or annual schedule depending on CB preference and product category.

Q: How many of my products will be subject to ongoing product verification testing?A: While the minimum annual verification limit as set by EPA is 10 percent of each productsubtype, the number of an individual Partners products that are subject to verification testingin a given year will vary. The CB is responsible for procuring appropriate test samples on anannual basis at least half of which will be randomly selected and directing the testing of

those samples for continued compliance to ENERGY STAR criteria. Samples may be collectedfrom one of several sources:

Open-market purchase (retail outlets for household products or contractor supplychannels for commercial products) is EPA's preferred procurement method whendealing with high volume consumer products, seeing as this option is mostrepresentative of products going into consumers' homes.


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As a secondary alternative, a CB representative may obtain warehouse stock for use assamples. These are collected from a designated distribution point at which the productis available in quantity and packaged for shipment to its point of sale.

Samples may also be collected straight off the production line, though this method isleast preferred by EPA because of the associated risk of specially prepared testspecimens. This method does however offer an advantage for collecting low-volumecommercial products, especially those that are custom made or built to order.

Q: Once a product is ENERGY STAR certified, is the ENERGY STAR label available for amultitude of private branding, or does the product require separate testing andcertification for each brand?A: If the products are the same and there is a chain of multiple listingwithin the CB, then one test will suffice. However, if you want the

product to appear under two manufacturers, then each manufacturerwill need to enroll separately in the ENERGY STAR program.

Q: Are private labelers exempt from ENERGY STAR testing if theOriginal Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) already tested theproduct for ENERGY STAR?A: The OEM or the private labeler can take on the testing responsibility. It is up to either oneof these parties to take on the responsibility of the certification process. If a manufacturermakes the device and brands it for someone else or wants to extend approval to someoneelse, that is okay in most cases. Be reminded that each party must apply separately to partnerwith ENERGY STAR, but the testing only needs to be conducted once.

So You Want your Product ENERGY STAR Certified

Third-Party Testing OptionsGaining ENERGY STAR qualification now requires submission of test reports from an EPA-Recognized Laboratory to substantiate product claims. OEMs are now faced with the task ofevaluating their needs to determine what third-party testing option may work best for them.The place to start, naturally, is by assessing the testing lab's own certification. The lab must beable to prove its own formal ISO 17025 accreditation and have a formal partnership with aGuide 65-accredited, EPA-Recognized CB.

Q: What should I consider when choosing whether or not to handle my own ENERGYSTAR testing in-house? What are the drawbacks?A: Product OEMs who have in-house testing facilities will need to determine if their lab willmeet the specifications of ISO 17025 compliance under the scrutiny of a CB evaluation. If not,they must consider what investments and upgrades are needed to bring it to that point. If theEPA decides in the near future to require formal ISO 17025 accreditation of manufacturerlabs, is the manufacturer ready to make that investment of resources? This decision-makingprocess may be a gamble.


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Additionally, the OEM must factor in accreditationexpenses and annual fees, supporting the quality system,proficiency testing, and training and salaries for added

staff. An OEM also has to factor in the added value that ahighly effective third-party test lab can bring to theprocess. Is it feasible to replicate in-house expertise andcapability to increase benefits for the manufacturer? If so,what is the cost?

The truth is that no matter how well-equipped, managedand maintained an in-house lab may be, first-partycertification will always be perceived by the public as lesstrustworthy than testing by a third-party. Not only doespartnering with the right lab expedite the verificationprocess, it also provides access to global resources. Assuch, many OEMs are opting for the inherent credibilityadvantage associated with third-party testing.

Q: What can a third-party test lab do for product manufacturers in addition to, butintegrated with ENERGY STAR testing?A: Consider all that the lab can offer. While acquiring the ENERGY STAR label is a primaryfocus, the benefits of choosing the right lab can significantly improve product integration inthe market. Perhaps the most important thing to consider is the labs ability to get a singleproduct through the test cycle without delaybut that's the least a third-party test lab shouldbe able to do for a manufacturer with a complex product development program. Keep inmind the scope of a potential testing lab's expertise and how it can be leveraged to your

advantage.

How can the test lab streamline the overall product development process by, forexample, handling safety certification, performance certification, EMC(electromagnetic compatibility) testing and environmental testing?

Can the company consult on product design to help address ENERGY STAR, safety andperformance issues early in the design cycle to accelerate overall productdevelopment?

What services does the lab offer that can reduce the overall time and resources neededfor the broad-based, company-wide product development processincluding thecomplicated web of U.S. regional and international safety standards, productcertification labeling and energy efficiency labeling schemes?

Q: What specifically should I look for in a third-party test lab?A: Use these key traits as a checklist. Your test lab should be able to provide the following:

Expertise and competence with respect to the targeted product categories. Industry knowledge and an understanding of the technologies associated with the

product.


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A proven track-record in assisting manufacturers with the ENERGY STAR certificationprocess.

Functionality and an operational structure, conducive to getting products in the doorand tested without wasted effort or unproductive delay.

Responsiveness to facilitate quick turnaround.In addition, consider partnering with an EPA-Recognized Certification Body to fulfill yourthird-party testing needs. Your CB will be able to provide end-to-end certification, includingassistance in the reporting stages of the process. By partnering with a lab that ensures 24-hour certification and submittal to the EPA Qualified Product directory once testing iscompleted, products will reach their full potential at a quicker rate.

Q: How can I have third-party testing performed without interrupting my productdevelopment workflow?

A: Partnering with an experienced testing laboratory is critical to maximize efficiencies andincrease speed-to-market. Active industry participation and involvement is a key attribute forany highly esteemed laboratory, and serves manufacturers well in helping to maximizeefficiencies throughout the entire product approval process.

Manufacturers should expect their test lab to make itself valuable to the process. Ideally, thelab should have an ongoing relationship with EPA and maintain a full understanding of theENERGY STAR certification process and requirements. Labs that are immersed in the ENERGYSTAR testing environment naturally have a better understanding of the specifications, theprocess of approval, and even of the rationale behind the specifics of a given productspecification.

Data-Acceptance ProgramsManufacturer laboratories may be qualified by a CB to participate in a SupervisedManufacturer Testing Laboratory (SMTL) program and/or a Witnessed Manufacturer TestingLaboratory (WMTL) program, in which a CB is responsible for either supervising or witnessinga manufacturers testing, and then accepting that test data for submittal to EPA.

Q: How does a laboratory participating in a CBs Data Acceptance Programdemonstrate its participation to EPA?A: For manufacturers participating in an SMTL program, the CB assesses the manufacturerlaboratory and assembles evidence to establish confidence that the laboratory will produceaccurate results without the presence of a CB representative. Once qualified, themanufacturer laboratory performs testing and submits data to the CB for review andacceptance for program certification purposes.

For manufacturers participating in a WMTL program, the CB assesses the manufacturerlaboratory and assembles evidence to establish confidence that the laboratory will produceaccurate results while a CB representative is present. Once qualified, the manufacturer


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laboratory performs testing in the presence of a CB representative, and submits data to theCB for review and acceptance for program certification purposes.

Q: As an EPA-Recognized Certification Body, does Intertekmaintain its own Data Acceptance Program for ENERGYSTAR?A: Yes! Intertek has announced a revolutionary SATELLITE DataAcceptance Program to support ENERGY STAR Partners that willconduct testing in their own labs. Partners will submit test datadirectly to Intertek for engineering review to product specificationrequirements, and then ENERGY STAR certification will beawarded for compliant products.

Q: How long will it take before my laboratory is recognized under Interteks

SATELLITE Data Acceptance Program?A: Intertek is ready to audit labs for SATELLITE testing immediately. Upon successful resultsof the audit, Intertek will have a confidence building period (usually 3 tests) and then themanufacture can perform their own testing for the CB to review. Essentially, the process willprogress as quickly as the manufacturer wants to move.

Q: If I am part of Interteks SATELLITE SMTL program for ETL product safety, am Iautomatically a part of Interteks SATELLITE SMTL program for ENERGY STARcompliance?A: Being admitted into one SATELLITE program does not automatically grant you admittanceto the SATELLITE Data Acceptance Program for ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR test standardswill have to be added to your SATELLITE program scope, a process that may require additional

on-site assessment of your laboratories.

Q: Will my laboratory be evaluated by EPA during the recognition process?A: EPA will notconduct a site visit. Instead, staff from an EPA-Recognized AccreditationBody will conduct a site visit for manufacturers seeking accreditation. If you are seekingenrolment in Interteks SATELLITE Data Acceptance Program (for Partners that will conducttesting in their own labs and submit test data to Intertek for engineering review), view detailsfor setting up a site visit at www.intertek.com/SATELLITE.

Keeping Up with Spec Changes

Revisions & Development

ENERGY STAR will accelerate the pace at which it revises existing product specifications andwill continue to develop new requirements to keep up with ever-changing technologies. Thescope of ENERGY STAR in the United States is continuously expanding and now covers41product types, all of which are subject to the Third-Party Certification requirements.


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Q: What factors are considered when EPA decides to revisespecifications?

A: There are several factors that contribute to EPAs decision. Amarket share of 50 percent or higher in a particular productcategory is generally the cause for consideration to revise currentspecifications. Other factors include:

A change (or changes) to federally recognized minimumefficiency standards

Technological changes with advances in energy efficiencythat have the potential to yield additional savings

Product availability/demand on the market Issues with consumers coming to expect specific energy

savings Performance and/or quality issues Issues with test procedures

Q: How will first-party EPA-Recognized Laboratories beaffected by spec changes?A: When an ENERGY STAR specification is revised, EPA willrequire that the laboratory ensures its methods remain consistent with the test methodsdescribed in the program requirements of the currently effective version of the specification.Laboratories are notautomatically required to update their Scopes of Accreditation. However,significant changes in test method, for example, when a specification revision calls for adifferent test method altogether from the preceding specification version, will necessitate aScope of Accreditation update to reflect the newly required test method.

Q: If the status of a product is pending when will the new requirements go intoeffect?A: EPA has been delayed on the development cycle due to the program changes that tookeffect on January 1, 2011. However, this link can be utilized to monitor the currentrequirements, revisions and development for all ENERGY STAR product categories:https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=partners.pt_products_and_program_reqs

Q: Is there an energy consumption requirement per product category?A: Each product type has energy requirements, either maximum limits on measures of

energy consumption or minimum limits for measures of energy efficiency.

Q: Are Certification Bodies able to certify product categories that are currently underrevision?A: When under revision, product specifications are constantly being modified. CBs cancertify products to new specifications once the specification is finalized, but before it becomeseffective. That is, if a specification is finalized in January but does not become effective untilSeptember, CBs can certify to the new specification in the interim. This will ensure that


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products that meet the new specification will stay on the qualified product list after theeffective date.

Q: What would constitute as product failure during verification testing?A: ENERGY STAR products will not pass verification testing if they fail to comply withENERGY STAR requirements outlined in the individual product specifications.

Updates to the ENERGY STAR Partner Agreement

A manufacturer (or U.S. distributor) who wishes to use the ENERGY STAR logo on or inconnection with its products must first become a Partner. The right to use the logo isgranted in exchange for the Partners commitment that their use of the ENERGY STAR logowill be in accordance with ENERGY STAR rules.

Q: How can I participate in the ENERGY STAR program?A: To participate in the program, you first need to become an ENERGY STAR Partner. Thepartnership agreement form and instructions to apply can be obtained from the ENERGY

STAR Web site (www.energystar.gov/join). Once you are a partner, you can submit productsfor inclusion into the program.

Q: What is the difference between a Partner and an Applicant?A: As detailed in the revised Partner Commitments, an ENERGY STAR Partner is anorganization that has qualified at least one product which is currently available on the market.The term Applicant refers to an organization that has formally submitted an ENERGY STARPartnership Agreement, but has yet to qualify a product that is available on the market.


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Q: When may I start marketing my product as ENERGY STAR qualified?A: Existing Partners may begin to market products as ENERGY STAR qualified as soon as theyreceive the Notice of ENERGY STAR Certification from their CB, which is an indication that the

product meets ENERGY STAR specifications.

For prospective Partners qualifying their first product, the application process will need to becompleted by EPA, which will then provide the new Partner with the label and materials tomarket its product as ENERGY STAR qualified.

Q: As a current Partner, why should I recommit?A: EPA revised the Partner Commitments to include participation in third-party certificationrequirements for the ENERGY STAR program. In order to continue partnership with EPA, allexisting manufacturer/private labeler Partners must recommit to abide by these newcommitments. (This recommitment effort is not required of retailers; utilities and other

program sponsors; or cable and telecom service providers.)

To avoid partnership interruption, Partners must confirm their commitment to continue in theENERGY STAR program. Organizations that failed to recommit by the November 30, 2010deadline may notice that their company name has been removed from ENERGY STARs list ofpartners on the Web, and that their products are removed from Qualified Product lists.

Organizations will still be able to recommit after the deadline has passed, but will likelyexperience a months delay before their products and organization name are restored to theENERGY STAR website, and may also be asked to re-apply for ENERGY STAR Partnership.Manufacturers who chose not to recommit are no longer considered Partners, and arerequired to stop using the ENERGY STAR label on products and in all other locations

immediately.

Q: Am I eligible for ENERGY STAR Partnership if myorganization does not sell an eligible product withinthe U.S. or a partner country?A: No. ENERGY STAR partnership is not an option fororganizations that do not sell an eligible product within theU.S. or a partner country.

Global Energy Efficiency

As consumer product companies expand their marketsoutside the borders of the United States, the time andresources required to design and test the products to meetthe needs of international markets must be factored into theprocess of getting a product from concept to market.


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The most efficient product development process considers the needs of all its intended andpotential international markets at the early design stages. This is no small feat, consideringthe complexities of the standards.

To stay ahead of the green curve look to partner with a testing facility that is investing innew testing capabilities and advisory services across a global network. The benefits of inter-relationships between ENERGY STAR and other energy efficiency programs globally (e.g.Energy Guide Label, CEC, NRCan, SASO, ErP), can be used to help manufacturers formregional and/or global compliance solutions.

Heavy promotion and an ever-expanding scope of labeled products helped to developENERGY STAR into one of the most familiar brands in the United Statesand elsewhere.Through agreements with the U.S. EPA, the ENERGY STAR program was adopted by othernations around the world. The familiar logo can today be found on a limited number ofproducts in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, Japan and Taiwan.

Conclusion

Through these program improvements, it is clear that the EPA is intent on protecting theENERGY STAR brand, which has become an iconic symbol of energy efficiency. Despite thechanges, becoming ENERGY STAR certified is just as simple as ever. Partnering with the rightlab will expedite the verification process and open doors to possible new product testingavenues. Going beyond the basic standards of ENERGY STAR testing will not only improve theoverall efficiency of a product, but will also benefit your companys energy-consciousreputation and maximize its investments.

Q: Where can I find the published ENERGY STAR program requirements?A: For more information about the program requirements, visit EPAs ENERGY STAR websiteat www.energystar.gov.

About Intertek

Intertek is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world.From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated toadding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertekhas the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000laboratories and offices and over 26,000 people in more than 100 countries around the world. Intertek Groupplc (ITRK) is listed on the London Stock Exchange in the FTSE 100 index.

This publication is copyright Intertek and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without theprior written permission of Intertek. While due care has been taken during the preparation of this document, Intertek cannotbe held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it. Clients are encouragedto seek Interteks current advice on their specific needs before acting upon any of the content.

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