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Energy Star Faq
Energy Star Faq
Contents
Introduction .....................................................................................................3 About EPAs ENERGY STAR Program..................................................................3 Momentum Achieved.................................................................................. 3 Cause and Effect......................................................................................... 4 Qualification Procedures Changes..................................................................... 5 Certification Body Approval......................................................................... 5 Updates for Testing and Verification............................................................ 8 So You Want your Product ENERGY STAR Certified.......................................... 9 Third-Party Testing Options ......................................................................... 9 Data Acceptance Programs........................................................................ 11 Keeping Up with Spec Changes ....................................................................... 12 Revisions & Development .......................................................................... 12 Updates to the ENERGY STAR Partner Agreement............................................ 14 Global Energy Efficiency ................................................................................. 15 Conclusion ...................................................................................................... 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 problems by implementing a system of product testing and maintenance that is more thorough and accurate. Becoming familiar with EPAs Third-Party Certification procedures will aid manufacturers strategizing to update and qualify new products for ENERGY STAR.
Momentum Achieved As awareness grew and demand for ENERGY STAR products increased, manufacturers put more of their R&D into developing energy-efficient products and more marketing resources into 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 and often 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-have component of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
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While OIG results showed that 98% of ENERGY STAR products did qualify for the label, the small number of products that did not were enough to potentially hurt the credibility of one of the world's most successful and beneficial brands. ENERGY STAR took the 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 companies found 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 for various product specifications.
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Q: How will the new ENERGY STAR ThirdParty Certification procedures change the ways in which Partners qualify products?
A: Under the new requirements, Partners will be required to test their products in an EPARecognized Testing Laboratory of their choice, and ensure that that laboratory submits the resultant product test reports to an EPA-Recognized Certification Body. Upon a successful review of a product test report, the CB will notify the Partner that the product in question is qualified, and submit the qualified product data to EPA for listing on the ENERGY STAR website.
Q: How does EPA recognition of Accreditation Bodies, Laboratories or Certification Bodies work?
A: An Accreditation Body (AB) for the ENERGY STAR Laboratory Recognition Program is responsible for assessing laboratory operations for compliance and maintaining documentation and an up-to-date directory identifying all EPA-Recognized Laboratories that the AB has accredited. An EPA-Recognized Laboratory is required to comply with test methods outlined in the ENERGY STAR program. As part of the reporting process the lab must submit a copy of their accreditation certificate and scope of accreditation to EPA. An EPA-Recognized Certification Body must maintain ISO Guide 65 accreditation. The CB is responsible for assessing whether a product meets relevant ENERGY STAR performance parameters and for determining a products qualification. Through direct communication with EPA, a CB submits qualified products for listing, maintains auditable records of each products qualification 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 STAR logo with each certified product.
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Q: If I require off-the-line testing, can I conduct verification testing through a firstparty laboratory?
A: If off-the-line testing is the only feasible option (applicable for units obtained off-the-line from the manufacturing facility), manufacturers are permitted to conduct testing in an EPArecognized first-party lab provided that qualified CB personnel witness the test. EPA anticipates that off-the-line testing will only be an option for extremely large, expensive or custom-built products.
to do so. However, from an operational standpoint it would prove strategically beneficial for manufacturers 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 signed certification agreement, as well as the product data. Documentation Provided: Once the product is certified, the CB will provide the client with a Notice of ENERGY STAR Certification, which confirms approval and access to use the ENERGY STAR logo with each certified product. This Notice is also an indication that the CB has submitted 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 report AND provide the Notice of ENERGY STAR Certification within 24 hours. You can start marking immediately (as long as all Partner agreements are in place), but it is unsure at this time how long 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 its review process in order to allow EPA to estimate its potential impact on Partners product cycles. EPA intends to seek a commitment from Certification Bodies to review test reports within a timeframe that adequately addresses Partners concerns regarding product development cycles and time-to-market objectives.
Q: Will EPA fund the new testing and verification procedures? How much will the new testing and verification procedures cost?
A: No. Partners will pay laboratories and CBs directly in order to obtain the required thirdparty testing and verification. Fees and costs associated with the mandatory testing and certification will vary between CBs, and test labs.
Q: Where can I find a list of EPA-Recognized Accreditation Bodies, Laboratories or Certification 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 find information about Interteks various EPA-verified accreditations. EPA continues to process applications for recognition and will update these lists on an ongoing basis.
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Q: Will products be subject to ongoing verification testing, and how often will this occur?
A: Under the new restrictions, the qualification process doesn't end with EPA's approval to use the ENERGY STAR label. An ENERGY STAR qualified product is subject to on-going verification testing throughout its lifecycle. EPAs objective is to ensure 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 above listed products as well as newly certified ENERGY STAR products. Both CBs and the EPA have the discretion to determine when products will be selected, so the testing may take place on a quarterly, bi-annual, or annual schedule depending on CB preference and product category.
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As a secondary alternative, a CB representative may obtain warehouse stock for use as samples. These are collected from a designated distribution point at which the product is 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 is least preferred by EPA because of the associated risk of specially prepared test specimens. This method does however offer an advantage for collecting low-volume commercial 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 a multitude of private branding, or does the product require separate testing and certification for each brand?
A: If the products are the same and there is a chain of multiple listing within the CB, then one test will suffice. However, if you want the product to appear under two manufacturers, then each manufacturer will need to enroll separately in the ENERGY STAR program.
Q: Are private labelers exempt from ENERGY STAR testing if the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) already tested the product for ENERGY STAR?
A: The OEM or the private labeler can take on the testing responsibility. It is up to either one of these parties to take on the responsibility of the certification process. If a manufacturer makes the device and brands it for someone else or wants to extend approval to someone else, that is okay in most cases. Be reminded that each party must apply separately to partner with ENERGY STAR, but the testing only needs to be conducted once.
Q: What should I consider when choosing whether or not to handle my own ENERGY STAR testing in-house? What are the drawbacks?
A: Product OEMs who have in-house testing facilities will need to determine if their lab will meet 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 the EPA decides in the near future to require formal ISO 17025 accreditation of manufacturer labs, is the manufacturer ready to make that investment of resources? This decision-making process may be a gamble.
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Additionally, the OEM must factor in accreditation expenses 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 a highly effective third-party test lab can bring to the process. Is it feasible to replicate in-house expertise and capability to increase benefits for the manufacturer? If so, what is the cost? The truth is that no matter how well-equipped, managed and maintained an in-house lab may be, first-party certification will always be perceived by the public as less trustworthy than testing by a third-party. Not only does partnering with the right lab expedite the verification process, it also provides access to global resources. As such, many OEMs are opting for the inherent credibility advantage associated with third-party testing.
Q: What can a third-party test lab do for product manufacturers in addition to, but integrated with ENERGY STAR testing?
A: Consider all that the lab can offer. While acquiring the ENERGY STAR label is a primary focus, the benefits of choosing the right lab can significantly improve product integration in the market. Perhaps the most important thing to consider is the labs ability to get a single product through the test cycle without delaybut that's the least a third-party test lab should be able to do for a manufacturer with a complex product development program. Keep in mind 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, for example, 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 and performance issues early in the design cycle to accelerate overall product development? What services does the lab offer that can reduce the overall time and resources needed for the broad-based, company-wide product development processincluding the complicated web of U.S. regional and international safety standards, product certification labeling and energy efficiency labeling schemes?
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A proven track-record in assisting manufacturers with the ENERGY STAR certification process. Functionality and an operational structure, conducive to getting products in the door and tested without wasted effort or unproductive delay. Responsiveness to facilitate quick turnaround.
In addition, consider partnering with an EPA-Recognized Certification Body to fulfill your third-party testing needs. Your CB will be able to provide end-to-end certification, including assistance in the reporting stages of the process. By partnering with a lab that ensures 24hour certification and submittal to the EPA Qualified Product directory once testing is completed, products will reach their full potential at a quicker rate.
Q: How can I have third-party testing performed without interrupting my product development workflow?
A: Partnering with an experienced testing laboratory is critical to maximize efficiencies and increase speed-to-market. Active industry participation and involvement is a key attribute for any highly esteemed laboratory, and serves manufacturers well in helping to maximize efficiencies throughout the entire product approval process. Manufacturers should expect their test lab to make itself valuable to the process. Ideally, the lab should have an ongoing relationship with EPA and maintain a full understanding of the ENERGY STAR certification process and requirements. Labs that are immersed in the ENERGY STAR testing environment naturally have a better understanding of the specifications, the process of approval, and even of the rationale behind the specifics of a given product specification.
Data-Acceptance Programs Manufacturer laboratories may be qualified by a CB to participate in a Supervised Manufacturer Testing Laboratory (SMTL) program and/or a Witnessed Manufacturer Testing Laboratory (WMTL) program, in which a CB is responsible for either supervising or witnessing a manufacturers testing, and then accepting that test data for submittal to EPA.
Q: How does a laboratory participating in a CBs Data Acceptance Program demonstrate its participation to EPA?
A: For manufacturers participating in an SMTL program, the CB assesses the manufacturer laboratory and assembles evidence to establish confidence that the laboratory will produce accurate results without the presence of a CB representative. Once qualified, the manufacturer laboratory performs testing and submits data to the CB for review and acceptance for program certification purposes. For manufacturers participating in a WMTL program, the CB assesses the manufacturer laboratory and assembles evidence to establish confidence that the laboratory will produce accurate 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 the CB for review and acceptance for program certification purposes.
Q: As an EPA-Recognized Certification Body, does Intertek maintain its own Data Acceptance Program for ENERGY STAR?
A: Yes! Intertek has announced a revolutionary SATELLITE Data Acceptance Program to support ENERGY STAR Partners that will conduct testing in their own labs. Partners will submit test data directly to Intertek for engineering review to product specification requirements, and then ENERGY STAR certification will be awarded 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 results of the audit, Intertek will have a confidence building period (usually 3 tests) and then the manufacture can perform their own testing for the CB to review. Essentially, the process will progress as quickly as the manufacturer wants to move.
Q: If I am part of Interteks SATELLITE SMTL program for ETL product safety, am I automatically a part of Interteks SATELLITE SMTL program for ENERGY STAR compliance?
A: Being admitted into one SATELLITE program does not automatically grant you admittance to the SATELLITE Data Acceptance Program for ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR test standards will have to be added to your SATELLITE program scope, a process that may require additional on-site assessment of your laboratories.
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Q: If the status of a product is pending when will the new requirements go into effect?
A: EPA has been delayed on the development cycle due to the program changes that took effect on January 1, 2011. However, this link can be utilized to monitor the current requirements, revisions and development for all ENERGY STAR product categories: https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=partners.pt_products_and_program_reqs
Q: Are Certification Bodies able to certify product categories that are currently under revision?
A: When under revision, product specifications are constantly being modified. CBs can certify products to new specifications once the specification is finalized, but before it becomes effective. That is, if a specification is finalized in January but does not become effective until September, 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 the effective date.
Q: Am I eligible for ENERGY STAR Partnership if my organization does not sell an eligible product within the U.S. or a partner country?
A: No. ENERGY STAR partnership is not an option for organizations that do not sell an eligible product within the U.S. or a partner country.
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The most efficient product development process considers the needs of all its intended and potential international markets at the early design stages. This is no small feat, considering the complexities of the standards. To stay ahead of the green curve look to partner with a testing facility that is investing in new testing capabilities and advisory services across a global network. The benefits of interrelationships between ENERGY STAR and other energy efficiency programs globally (e.g. Energy Guide Label, CEC, NRCan, SASO, ErP), can be used to help manufacturers form regional and/or global compliance solutions. Heavy promotion and an ever-expanding scope of labeled products helped to develop ENERGY 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 other nations around the world. The familiar logo can today be found on a limited number of products 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 the ENERGY STAR brand, which has become an iconic symbol of energy efficiency. Despite the changes, becoming ENERGY STAR certified is just as simple as ever. Partnering with the right lab will expedite the verification process and open doors to possible new product testing avenues. Going beyond the basic standards of ENERGY STAR testing will not only improve the overall efficiency of a product, but will also benefit your companys energy-conscious reputation and maximize its investments.
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