The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have jointly issued a statement outlining each agency's responsibilities and roles in the Energy Star products program. The EPA and DOE agreed to coordinate efforts to expand and enhance both the National Building Rating Program and the Energy Star program. According to the statement, the Energy Star products program will be improved with expanded coverage, more frequent updates, enhanced efforts on product testing, and a new effort to recognize super efficient products.
The agreement stipulates that the EPA will be the brand manager for the Energy Star and Super Star for products program including marketing, outreach, monitoring and verification, and setting the performance level(s). Performance levels will be set using established, and consistent principles for the Energy Star brand. The statement indicated that generally, products in the top 25% will qualify as Energy Star and the top 5% will qualify as Super Star.
The statement notes that the DOE will increase its efforts in monitoring and verifying test procedure compliance and the development of Federal test procedures and metrics in support of the EPA. The EPA will maintain the master database of Energy Star and Super Star products and test results. The EPA will also develop the lists of new products to be added to the Energy Star and Super Star program for consideration by the Governing Council.