General terms and commitments made between ENERGY STAR and Partners

EPA's Commitments to ENERGY STAR Partners

  1. EPA will work to increase awareness of ENERGY STAR as the trusted government-backed symbol for energy efficient solutions that save energy, save money, and help protect the environment.
  2. EPA will provide partners with timely program updates, information, and resources via the ENERGY STAR web site, webinars, newsletters, e-mail, and presentations.
  3. EPA will provide partners with recognition for their participation in the program through the ENERGY STAR partner locator, special awards, and other media.
  4. EPA will respond swiftly to any requests for information or clarification on ENERGY STAR program policies.
  5. EPA does not provide warrantee and cannot be held liable for construction defects or deficiencies resulting from the proper or improper application of the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes program guidelines.

General Commitments for ENERGY STAR Partners

  1. This agreement is voluntary and can be terminated by either party at any time for any reason, with no penalty.
  2. Partners will assume good faith as a general principle for resolving conflicts that may arise in relation to their program partnership and will seek to resolve all matters to preserve maximum public confidence in ENERGY STAR.
  3. Partners shall not construe, claim, or imply that participation in ENERGY STAR constitutes federal government approval, acceptance, or endorsement of anything other than partners' participation in the ENERGY STAR program. Partnership does not constitute federal government endorsement of the partner, its homes, or services.
  4. Partners understand that the activities undertaken in connection with ENERGY STAR are voluntary and not intended to provide services to the federal government. As such, partners may not submit claims for compensation to any federal agency.
  5. Partners must adhere to the ENERGY STAR Brand Book (Logo Use Guidelines) and ensure that authorized representatives, such as advertising agencies, distributors, and subcontractors, also comply.
  6. To maintain an active partnership, partners must certify at least one home to earn the ENERGY STAR label within any ongoing 12-month period. Partners not fulfilling this requirement will be deemed 'inactive' and must promptly cease all use of the ENERGY STAR name and logo, including removal from marketing and point-of-sale materials. Partners must affix a completed ENERGY STAR label on the circuit breaker box (or other suitable location) of all homes that are verified to meet the ENERGY STAR guidelines, and provide an ENERGY STAR certificate to each homeowner who purchases a certified new home.
  7. Certification of a home to earn the ENERGY STAR label shall not be used by partners to guarantee that it is structurally sound or safe, constructed in accordance with applicable laws, regulations or codes, free of mold or mildew, free of volatile organic compounds or allergens, or free of soil gases including radon.
  8. Partners shall act in good faith to resolve homeowner complaints about the performance of their ENERGY STAR certified homes and must provide EPA with any requested documentation regarding a home certified as ENERGY STAR (e.g., a Home Energy Rating (HERS) report or relevant inspection checklists). If EPA determines that a home has been improperly certified as ENERGY STAR, the partner is expected to take necessary actions to resolve the identified issues in a timely manner.
  9. Failure to comply with any of the terms of the ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement can result in termination of the organization's partnership and its access to program benefits, including use of the ENERGY STAR logo.
  10. ENERGY STAR will actively pursue misuse of the ENERGY STAR name and logos. In cases where an organization is found to be in severe violation of the federal ENERGY STAR trademark, EPA may refer the matter to the U.S. Department of Justice for consideration of civil or criminal penalties.