Say good-bye to gas-powered alarm clocks and similar unlikely gadgets. After some embarrassing revelations that almost anything could get an Energy Star rating (see http://eetweb.com/legislation/gasolenepoweredalarmclock041210/index.html), the DoE has tightened up its criteria for awarding the EnergyStar seal. Now, manufacturers must submit complete lab reports and results for review and approval by EPA prior to labeling.
The old Energy Star qualification approval process was basically run on the honor system. But now, all new qualification applications will be reviewed and approved individually by EPA. Additionally, companies applying to be program partners will not be able to access the Energy Star certification mark until EPA has approved a specific Energy Star-qualified product submitted by the company.
And in a move that probably has independent test labs doing high-fives, EPA and DOE will also require (effective at the end of the year) that all manufacturers submit test results from an approved, accredited lab for any product seeking the Energy Star label. Testing in an accredited lab is currently required for certain product categories including windows, doors, skylights and compact fluorescent lighting. The new process will extend the requirement to each of the more than 60 eligible product categories under the Energy Star program.
The press release on the new requirements and more details can be found here: