ENERGY STAR Product Specification Development Efforts
Since its creation in 1992, the ENERGY STAR program has grown to designate energy efficient products in more than 75 categories, all of which are independently certified. EPA relies on broad stakeholder engagement to develop and maintain its ENERGY STAR product specifications and grow and evolve the products portfolio. Through its products work, the Agency also looks for innovative ways to accelerate market movement to greater efficiency. This page is intended to help interested organizations track and share feedback with EPA on a range of ENERGY STAR specification development activities. The current annual products specification plan is also posted in the Federal Register to provide additional notification. If you are not yet an ENERGY STAR partner and wish to stay informed about our specification development activities, please email join@energystar.gov to be added to our distribution list.
Search ENERGY STAR Specifications
ENERGY STAR specifications are periodically reviewed and updated to ensure that they provide meaningful differentiation for highly energy-efficient products. EPA develops new and updated specifications through a transparent process in consultation with manufacturers, brand owners, and other stakeholders.
The ENERGY STAR Product Specifications search tool lists all of the ENERGY STAR specifications that are currently in effect, as well as product specifications under development or revision.
ENERGY STAR Most Efficient
Each year, EPA highlights the 'best of the best' of ENERGY STAR through its Most Efficient program, which recognizes exceptionally-efficient products. EPA leverages its deep datasets to propose and publish ENERGY STAR Most Efficient recognition criteria annually. Visit the criteria development process webpage to learn more.
Emerging Technology Award
The ENERGY STAR® Emerging Technology Award raises the profile of innovative technologies that have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions once more widely adopted. The annual Award recognizes promising technologies that may not yet meet key principles associated with categories eligible for the ENERGY STAR label (e.g., broadly available, cost effective) or may be relatively more complex to properly install and operate. As products become more mainstream, Award categories may become candidates for ENERGY STAR specification development. Award categories are selected through a transparent stakeholder process that evaluates technologies based on a set of criteria that can be found on the Emerging Technology Award page.
ENERGY STAR Connected
ENERGY STAR Connected criteria are optionally available for 14 product categories, with more on the way! Products recognized as ENERGY STAR Connected provide a mix of user convenience, tools for saving energy, and grid services. Connected criteria are required for certain controls products (thermostats, smart home energy management systems) where data from the field is needed to verify energy savings. Learn more about ENERGY STAR and Connected Functionality.
Smart Home Energy Management Systems
From 2018 to 2019, ENERGY STAR collaborated with stakeholders to develop a flexible recognition for smart home systems that provide users with tools to save energy – seamlessly and automatically. ENERGY STAR Smart Home Energy Management Systems (SHEMS) must provide a single touchpoint for controlling a smart thermostat, lighting, and smart plug or home energy monitor. Find more details here!