The Energy Star label is intended to be a guide to energy use. The Energy Star certification functions as a guide for millions of dollars in government subsidies, and is a joint venture of the EPA and DOE.
This is why it is especially worrisome that a recent Government Accountability Office audit was able to get over a dozen bogus products approved – every little thing from a gas-powered alarm clock that would practically require auto financing all the way to a space heater with fly paper attached.
Energy Star approved unrealistic products
When the Government Accountability Office submitted fictional products for approval, they were given the Energy Star logo 15 times out of 20. No questions were asked about products that were submitted with energy details declaring they were 20% more efficient than any other product on the market. An “air cleaner” that was really an inefficient space heater with a duster taped to the top was also approved.
Becoming an Energy Share partner
Beyond approving products that were bogus or improbably specified, the GAO report on Energy Star also discovered that companies could easily get certified as partners. Once a company is an Energy Star Partner, they can get the Energy Star label off the website. This means that Energy Star logo products may not have ever been reviewed by the EPA or Department of Energy.
In other words, getting an Energy Star label might be easier than getting instant payday loans.
Energy Star requires outside certification?
There are some products that require “independent laboratory certification” to get the Energy Star label. Products that have to have this are energy-efficient windows and fluorescent lights. However, fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, air conditioners, water heaters, and more are not necessarily confirmed.
How will Energy Star react
The Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy have both put out statements reacting to the GAO report. The Department of Energy is guaranteeing to set up comprehensive independent verification for Energy Star labels. No matter what happens, it is certain that the Energy Star logo and Energy Star Certification need some serious attention – from regulators, their own government agencies, and the public.
