Intertek Pledges Support to Advance US ENERGY STAR® Program
22 Oct 2009
In wake of new report, leading global energy efficiency testing expert outlines how third-parties can support ENERGY STAR® improvements, and restore consumer confidence.
Chicago, IL – In response to a new report from the Department of Energy (DoE) Inspector General that took issue with ENERGY STAR® labelling practices, Intertek pledged its support for the program and recommended steps that could help address some of the problems identified by the audit.
The Inspector General report criticized ENERGY STAR® for lacking sufficient controls in product labelling and testing that may result in the program failing to deliver maximum energy savings, misleading consumers into thinking they were purchasing energy efficient appliances and undermining confidence in the ENERGY STAR® label.
Intertek is one of the leading global providers of independent testing and evaluation for energy efficiency performance and verification on consumer, commercial and electrical products to governments, retailers and manufacturers.
“Having worked with major industry groups and governments to build energy efficiency testing and certification programs, Intertek and other companies in our sector have a depth of insight and experience we can offer to resolve the issues outlined in the Inspector General report,” said Gregg Tiemann, Chief Executive of Intertek’s Commercial and Electrical products division.
In response to the Inspector General’s recommendations for more third-party involvement in ENERGY STAR®, Tiemann outlined the ways that third-parties can contribute to strengthen the program and restore trust in the label:
- Develop consensus test methods, rating methods, and qualification criteria which undergo continual scrutiny from industry, regulators and third-parties.
- Establish a regimen for standards development and ongoing review that provides transparency of process and test methods used.
- Create a testing and certification system which gives necessary oversight and control, but is not unnecessarily and overly onerous on manufacturers.
The ideal situation, according to Tiemann, is for the Energy Department to work with the private sector on such issues to establish uniformity, eliminate misuse of labels, and strengthen the credibility of the ENERGY STAR® program.
Intertek has a long record of testing energy consumption, output and efficiency that dates back to 1896 when Thomas Edison founded Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) – now known through Intertek’s ETL Listed mark. Today, Intertek conducts energy efficiency testing for such notable programs as ENERGY STAR®, Energy Guide Label and California Energy Commission in the United States, and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Intertek also provides testing for Europe’s Eco Label and European Energy Label programs as well as China’s Energy Label, Taiwan’s Green Mark and Australia’s Energy Rating Label, among others.
For industry certification programs, Intertek conducts energy efficiency testing for those administered by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Intertek maintains the accreditations and expertise throughout its global network of energy efficiency testing laboratories to help manufacturers meet regional and market requirements.
For further information on Intertek’s energy efficiency testing services, visit www.intertek.com.
Contacts
Mike Parker
Vice President
Global Marketing,
Government & Association Affairs
+1 978 635 8559
mike.parker@intertek.com