How ENERGY STAR Specifications are Developed
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency relies on a systematic process for developing ENERGY STAR specifications that prioritizes transparency, inclusiveness, and consistency. Decisions regarding ENERGY STAR specifications are made by EPA with the benefit of stakeholder input consistent with the ENERGY STAR Strategic Vision and Guiding Principles Document (PDF, 147 KB) such that the ENERGY STAR label identifies products that meet the highest energy conservation standards.
EPA considers the following criteria when determining whether to develop or revise ENERGY STAR product specifications:
- Significant energy savings will be realized on a national basis.
- Product energy consumption and performance and can be measured and verified with testing.
- Product performance will be maintained or enhanced.
- Purchasers of the product will recover any cost difference within a reasonable time period.
- Specifications do not unjustly favor any one technology.
- Labeling will effectively differentiate products to purchasers.
The ENERGY STAR product specifications process relies on rigorous market, engineering and pollution savings analysis, and involvement from a range of stakeholders. Brand owners are critical to this process, offering insights into efficiency opportunities, features and functionalities that consumers value, forthcoming innovations, and product performance data. The systematic process for developing and revising ENERGY STAR specifications is captured by this visual. More about the process can be found here.
