Testing laboratories that perform energy testing of any product for an Energy Star® rating can be accredited under ANAB’s Energy Star program.
Introduced in 1992, Energy Star is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program. The program helps consumers, business, and industry save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency. The voluntary labelling program identifies and promotes energy-efficiency products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Products that earn the Energy Star label meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA.
Building the Energy Star Brand
The EPA and partners have built the Energy Star brand through more than 15 years of shared effort. Maintaining the value of the brand requires ensuring products with the Energy Star label deliver on their promise to consumers. The program now focuses on enhancements through testing and verification efforts.
EPA-recognized laboratories test products according to the methods referenced in program specifications. For an EPA-recognized certification body to certify a product as Energy Star, the test results for that product must come from an EPA-recognized laboratory. The EPA recognizes laboratories that are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 for the relevant Energy Star test methods through ANAB. Laboratories may also test products for verification or challenge testing.
Labs Measure Electrical and Fuel Consumption
ANAB provides accreditation for testing laboratories that measure electrical and fuel consumption. Measurements are based on industry recognized test methods and standards. The laboratories are also subject to an EPA program-based approved checklist. ANAB applies this checklist to assure the impartiality of product testing. ANAB conducts these verifications on a regular basis.
Responsibilities of recognized laboratories participating in the program include the following:
- Testing products according to the required test methods in the relevant specification.
- Cooperating with ongoing audits by ANAB, certification bodies (such as UL, Intertek, CSA, etc.), and the EPA.
- Maintaining their ANAB accreditation and assuring management of new and revised specifications and test methods.
- Participating in inter-laboratory comparison testing or proficiency testing, when required.
Laboratories must complete an application to be formally recognized by the EPA program. The Energy Star website lists laboratories active in the program for public access.