Specific Guidelines: ENERGY STAR Recognition Marks

ENERGY STAR logo on product box

Contents

ENERGY STAR Certification Mark

ENERGY STAR certification mark
  • What It Is. The ENERGY STAR Certification Mark is used as a label on products, homes, buildings, and plants that have been verified to meet ENERGY STAR requirements.
  • Who Can Use It. 
    • On products: Any organization that has signed a Partnership Agreement or Partnership Letter, is currently an active partner with the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program, and has had one or more products certified as ENERGY STAR.
    • On new homes, apartments, and multifamily buildings: Any organization that has signed a Partnership Agreement and is currently an active partner with the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program.
    • On existing commercial/multifamily buildings and industrial plants: The owner, manager, or other authorized representative of a building or plant that has earned ENERGY STAR certification.
  • Correct Use: 
    • Labeling an ENERGY STAR certified product. For product-specific labeling requirements, please review the ENERGY STAR Program Requirements document found on the relevant product’s web page at energystar.gov. Also review the Special Conditions section below.
    • Labeling an ENERGY STAR certified new home, apartment, or multifamily building. For specific guidance on the labeling of ENERGY STAR certified new homes and apartments, review the ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction program requirements.
    • Labeling an ENERGY STAR certified building or plant. Owners or managers of ENERGY STAR certified buildings and plants will receive a decal from the EPA. The decal includes the year for which the certification was awarded. The entire decal should be affixed near an exterior door to promote that the building or plant has earned the ENERGY STAR.
    • Other uses:
      • Advertisements, point-of-purchase materials, and other promotional materials when used on or near a certified product, home, building, or plant.
      • Product literature or a Web page that identifies a certified product, home, building, or plant.
  • Prohibited Use. In addition to the General Guidelines and Prohibitions, please observe the following prohibitions when using this mark:
    • Do not use to denote the EPA or ENERGY STAR partnership or endorsement.
    • Do not use near non-certified products, homes, or buildings in advertisements or other promotional materials.
    • Do not use on homes or buildings that have not been certified as ENERGY STAR.
    • Do not use on non-product specific promotional materials.
    • Do not use on insulation products.
    • Do not use on cars, vans, or other vehicles.
  • Special Conditions.
    • The EnergyGuide Label. The ENERGY STAR Certification Mark may be added in black to the FTC’s EnergyGuide Label for appliances, televisions, and HVAC equipment that have earned the ENERGY STAR.
    • Windows. All certified windows, doors, and skylights must display the ENERGY STAR Product Certification Label in accordance with the Labeling Guidance for ENERGY STAR Windows, Doors, and Skylights [available to ENERGY STAR Partners with a My ENERGY STAR Account (MESA)]. The Product Certification Label includes the ENERGY STAR Certification Mark and illustrates the regions in which the label applies (unless it applies to all regions).
    • Furnaces. Certain gas furnaces are certified only in southern states and must display the Gas Furnace Regional Mark in accordance with those specific guidelines.
    • Electronics: Minimum Labeling Requirements. The following minimum guidelines apply to electronic labeling as an alternative to physical product labeling:
      • The ENERGY STAR Certification Mark must appear at system start-up for a minimum of 10 seconds unless the product start-up process is shorter than 10 seconds. In these cases, the mark should show for as much time as possible, but for no less than five seconds.
      • As display screens come in a variety of sizes and capabilities, the ENERGY STAR Certification Mark must be at least 10 percent of the total screen size but may not be smaller than 76 pixels x 78 pixels and must be clearly legible.
      • The ENERGY STAR Certification Mark must appear in cyan, black, or white, and meet the requirements for legibility and visibility as described under General Guidance and Prohibitions.
    • HVAC Equipment. When using the ENERGY STAR Certification Mark in association with a certified heat pump or central air conditioner, the following disclaimer must appear: “This product meets ENERGY STAR requirements when appropriate coil components are used. Ask your contractor for details.”

ENERGY STAR NextGen™ Certification Mark

  • NextGen marks

    What It Is. The ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification Mark is used as a label on homes, apartments, and commercial buildings that have been verified to meet ENERGY STAR NextGen requirements.

  • Who Can Use It. 
    • On new homes and apartments: Any organization that has signed a Partnership Agreement, is currently an active partner with the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program, and has had one or more new homes or new apartments certified as ENERGY STAR NextGen.
    • On existing commercial/multifamily buildings: The owner, manager, or other authorized representative of a building or plant that has earned ENERGY STAR NextGen certification.
  • Correct Use: 
    • Labeling an ENERGY STAR NextGen certified new home or apartment. The builder of a NextGen certified new home or apartment will receive a physical ENERGY STAR NextGen label from their home verification organization. They should affix it to the home’s circuit breaker panel or other suitable location. 
    • Labeling an ENERGY STAR certified building. Owners or managers of NextGen certified buildings will receive a decal from the EPA. The decal includes the year for which the certification was awarded. The entire decal should be affixed near an exterior door to promote that the building has earned ENERGY STAR NextGen certification.
    • Other uses:
      • Advertisements and other promotional materials when used on or near a certified home, apartment, or building.
      • Product literature or a Web page that identifies a certified home, apartment, or building.
  • Prohibited Use. In addition to the General Guidelines and Prohibitions, please observe the following prohibitions when using this mark:
    • Do not use to denote the EPA or ENERGY STAR partnership or endorsement.
    • Do not use on or near ENERGY STAR certified products. 
    • Do not use on homes or buildings that have not been certified as ENERGY STAR NextGen.
    • Do not use in advertisements or other promotional materials for non-certified homes, apartments, or buildings.
    • Do not use on general promotional materials that are not tied to a specific home, apartment, or building.
    • Do not use on cars, vans, or other vehicles.

Most Efficient Mark

  • Most Efficient Mark

    What It Is. The ENERGY STAR Most Efficient Mark is designed to recognize a select group of ENERGY STAR products as the best of the best for energy savings and innovation. The goal of this effort is to recognize products that deliver cutting-edge energy efficiency along with the latest in technological innovation—a simple choice for those seeking the very best of both.

    Each year, the EPA will establish criteria for specific product categories to earn ENERGY STAR Most Efficient recognition. Products that are recognized as ENERGY STAR Most Efficient must already qualify for the ENERGY STAR label.

  • Who Can Use It. Any organization that has signed a Partnership Agreement or Partnership Letter, is currently an active partner with the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program, and has had one or more products certified as ENERGY STAR. Utilities and regional energy efficiency programs can also use the designation as a visual identifier to encourage consumers to look for the most energy-efficient products.
  • Correct Use.
    • Point- of-purchase materials at retail stores.
    • On product literature or Web pages that highlight these products. 
    • When writing about ENERGY STAR Most Efficient products on the Web and in print materials, please use the following language: “Recognized as the Most Efficient of ENERGY STAR [YEAR].” 
  • Prohibited Use. In addition to the General Guidelines and Prohibitions, please observe the following prohibitions when using this mark:
    • Do not use on products or product packaging.
    • Do not use in association with products that have not been recognized as Most Efficient, including products with applications pending.
    • Do not use on:
      • Non-product specific promotional materials.
      • Homes, buildings, plants, or vehicles.
      • Stationery, such as business cards or letterhead.

Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR Mark 

  • Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR mark

    What It Is. The Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR Mark (Commercial) is awarded to multifamily and commercial new construction projects whose estimated energy use has been verified to meet strict U.S. EPA criteria. The mark may only be used when referring to the specified design project certified by the EPA.

    The Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR Mark is issued at the completion of the initial design phase or during the construction phase of a project. This mark is used strictly for the design project and is not to be used for the constructed and occupied property. This mark is available in both horizontal and vertical formats.

  • Who Can Use It. It may be used by the architect of record, building owner, property developer, or other authorized representative of projects approved as Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR.
  • Correct Use. 
    • On signage at the construction site of a certified design project. Mark must be adjacent to the project name, architect of record, and owner/developer names.
    • Adjacent to the building name in the title block of architectural plans.
    • In advertisements or other promotional materials, either print or electronic, which are specific to the design. The mark should be located adjacent to the project name and/or description of the certified design.
    • Described in writing as: “The [Project Name] commercial new construction property was awarded Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR by the EPA for meeting superior energy efficiency criteria.”
  • Prohibited Use. In addition to the General Guidelines and Prohibitions, please observe the following prohibitions when using this mark:
    • Do not use in advertisements or other promotional materials, either print or electronic, that are not specifically associated with projects that have achieved Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR.
    • Do not use on signage on or around properties once the project is constructed, occupied, and generating utility bills.
    • Do not use as a standalone promotion for design projects that were not constructed within 24 months of the EPA’s approval date.
    • Do not use on stationery, such as letterhead, correspondence, or business cards.
    • Do not use on cars, vans, or other vehicles.

Gas Furnace Regional Mark

  • Gas Furnace Mark

    What It Is. The ENERGY STAR Certified Gas Furnace Regional Mark identifies certain gas furnaces that earn the ENERGY STAR only in particular states. Climate is a key factor in the certifying criteria for gas furnaces; therefore, some gas furnaces will be ENERGY STAR certified only in certain regions.

  • Who Can Use It. Manufacturers of gas furnaces with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of less than 95% may use the ENERGY STAR Certified Gas Furnace Regional Mark to denote that the gas furnace has earned the ENERGY STAR only in the states indicated. (ENERGY STAR certified gas furnaces that have met an AFUE rating of 95% or higher may use the regular ENERGY STAR Certification Mark.)
  • Correct Use. 
    • On the gas furnace. 
    • On point-of-purchase displays at retail stores.
    • On product literature and Web pages that highlight the certified product. 

Insulation Product Graphic 

  • Insulation product graphic

    What It Is. This graphic is used to identify insulation products that qualify for ENERGY STAR. It is the only graphic that can be used on insulation products and packaging.

  • Who Can Use It. Only insulation manufacturers who have signed a Partnership Agreement may use the graphic. Products must first be certified by an EPA-approved third-party Insulation Certification Body prior to using the graphic. Do not share it with distributors, retailers, or contractors.
  • Correct Use. The graphic may be placed on ENERGY STAR qualified insulation products, labels, or packaging. Labels or packaging must be attached to or contain the actual insulation product. 
  • Prohibited Use. In addition to the General Guidelines and Prohibitions, do not use in advertisements or other promotional materials like websites and brochures (use the Seal and Insulate Graphic instead).
  • Review process. To ensure brand integrity and accuracy of information, the EPA must approve any use of the Insulation Product Graphic as well as the use of the ENERGY STAR name prior to final production or printing. Materials will be reviewed within two (2) to five (5) business days of receipt of the materials. Please submit materials or any questions regarding logo use to insulation@energystar.gov.

Tenant Space Identifier

  • Tenant Space Identifier

    What It Is. The ENERGY STAR Tenant Space designation is used to promote leased commercial spaces that have met energy-efficient design criteria set by the EPA. 

  • Who Can Use It. Any organization that earns ENERGY STAR Tenant Space designation for its leased space. 
  • Correct Use. 
    • Upon approval, lessees will receive a decal from the EPA. The decal should be affixed near the entrance to the leased space.
    • The graphic identifier may be used in promotional materials to demonstrate that a specific tenant space has been recognized by the EPA for meeting certain design criteria. 
    • The ENERGY STAR name should always precede the Tenant Space name the first time the words appear (E.g., “ENERGY STAR Tenant Space”). 
  • Prohibited Use. In addition to the General Guidelines and Prohibitions, please observe the following prohibitions when using this mark:
    • Do not use in a way that implies—or could be reasonably interpreted to imply—that a whole building is ENERGY STAR certified. 
    • Do not use in association with any product, home, whole building, or plant to signify or suggest ENERGY STAR certification.