DOE and EPA Sign Agreement to Expand ENERGY STAR and the National Building Rating Program
October 13, 2009
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed an agreement on September 30, 2009 to signify their intent to expand and enhance the ENERGY STAR® program and the National Building Rating Program. The Memorandum of Understanding outlines both programs and explains what each agency will be responsible for and what new expansions will be added to the program.
The ENERGY STAR program will be managed by EPA while DOE will lead the development of product testing procedures. Additionally, EPA will set the performance levels for ENERGY STAR products, while DOE will provide technical support and technology analysis. The ENERGY STAR program itself will be expanded to include product coverage of new consumer products with high energy saving potential, as well as a new "ENERGY Super Star" program that highlights the top-performing ENERGY STAR products. The program will also take steps to make sure that the ENERGY STAR logo is applied consistently, and to create a stronger system of verifying compliance with the program requirements.
The National Building Rating Program will be managed by DOE, while EPA will continue to encourage its stakeholders to build new buildings to ENERGY STAR levels and to improve existing buildings. DOE and EPA plan to further develop the program by creating a new series of building rating tools and a new labeling scheme. The program will also evaluate how the ENERGY STAR logo is used as applied to buildings.
Read the full text of the Memorandum of Understanding (PDF 245 KB). Download Adobe Reader.
