Questions have been raised on the Department of Energy (DOE) recently, after the Inspector General (IG) released an audit, exposing some faults in their Energy Star program. Apparently some Energy Star products had not had proper pre-release testing done.
In a Memorandum of Understanding the DOE and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who jointly manage Energy Star, agreed to increased product testing and quicker updates.
Still according to Consumer Reports, consumers are better off buying Energy Product stars than any other similar company. Their track record does include years of energy-saving products.
Starting this year, the EPA will take the lead on all Energy Star specifications. Currently there are more than 60 product categories which may earn Energy Star. So it goes without saying that there is a lot of work that needs to be done.
The Yahoo Daily Green News Blog reports:
If Energy Star has 90% market share, then the maximum level of efficiency that is “technically feasible and economically justified” (where federal standards must be set by DOE) is at least this high. If the market share is low, then incentives or education might be needed to encourage folks to invest in more efficient equipment.
Here’s a list of product categories which will most likely need revision in order to meet redefined Energy Star standards:
- Audio/DVD has 35% market share. 44% of these products meet with Energy Star.
- Residential Boilers have market shares over 50%. They must be 85% efficient to meet with Energy Star standards.
- 49% of all laptops meet with Energy Star.
- Copiers and scanners with Energy Star have market shares of around 90%.
- 80% of televisions meet with Energy Service.
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