When shopping for a new small or large appliance, the Energy Star label is supposed to be a guide of energy usage. The Energy Star certification operates as a guide for millions of dollars in government subsidies, and is a joint venture of the EPA and DOE.
This is exactly what makes it a worry that the Government Accountability Office was able to get 15 fictions products approved. Some of the products included a gas-powered alarm clock that was so large it would practically require auto financing.
Energy Star labels given to unrealistic products
Energy Star approval was given to bogus products 75% of the time. No questions were asked concerning 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.
Partnerships with Energy Star
Beyond approving products that were bogus or improbably specified, the GAO report on Energy Star also found that companies could easily get certified as partners. Once a company is an Energy Star Partner, they can obtain and use the logo. This means the EPA or Department of Energy might have never reviewed these Energy Star logo products.
In other words, getting instant payday loans may be tougher than getting the Energy Star label on a product.
Does Energy Star need outside certification?
For some products, the Energy Star label demands the manufacturer provide “independent laboratory certification” of their energy savings promises. This includes products like fluorescent lights and energy-efficient windows. Other products, though, such as washing machines and air conditioners, don’t require it as such.
Changes to the Energy Star system
The Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy have both put out statements responding to the GAO report. The DOE promised to set up independent verification. No matter exactly what happens, it is certain the Energy Star logo and Energy Star Certification need some serious attention – from regulators, their own government agencies, and the public.
