Nowadays, people are increasingly concerned with the environment and energy saving. Both private entities and consumers are trying harder to find ways to minimise their environmental impact and conserve energy. This has prompted the coming up and marketing of various programmes, including the Energy Star Certification.
Energy Star is an energy efficiency program supported by the government that assists consumers in identifying equipment and buildings that comply with specific energy efficiency standards. Energy Star means that you will save not less than 15% on energy bills, given that performance and comfort levels are not compromised.
The Energy Star Certification process involves carefully examining all of these elements in a building or home.
To be presented with the Energy Star, there are specific steps that a product or a building has to go through. The process of constructing this type of building is slightly different depending on the type of product produced. It is essential to understand that this certification will only occur after another party with no link to the product or building certifies the compliance with energy efficiency standards.
For products, the process generally involves the following steps:
Testing: For manufacturers to qualify for the Energy Star label, they have to undertake some tests for their products to meet the set standard on energy efficiency. These tests are conducted by accredited laboratories usually sanctioned by the EPA-Environmental Protection Agency.
Application: Finally, all manufacturers must apply to an EPA-recognized third-party certification body after accomplishing the necessary test results. The application also consists of test results with other characteristics, such as specifications of the particular product and examples of using this product.
Verification: Approval is then given by the certifier to ensure the application of the product conforms to Energy Star standards. If a product goes through this verification process, the particular certifier awards the specified product with the Energy Star certification.
Monitoring: Products, once certified, cannot be sold unless they meet Energy Star requirements and standards again. Manufacturers must re-certify devices every three years and notify MTO and DFD of changes which have an impact on energy efficiency ratings.
For buildings, it involves an assessment of the energy performance of buildings as a single system, design and construction, and operations
The process involves:
Evaluation: The building in question passes through an energy audit that can be in the form of a walk-through audit test and an analysis of energy consumption. The goal of this need-provide assessment is to determine where energy conservation enhancements can be made.
Verification: Once the assessment is complete, the actual performance of the building is measured against the EPA set standard. If a building is able to follow these standards the Energy Star certification is allowed.
Monitoring: Energy Star-certified buildings have to maintain their energy efficiency to the standards set. However, energy audits have to be conducted frequently.
Benefits Of Energy Star Certification
There are numerous advantages that Energy Star has for both the consumer and the manufacturer or owner of an energy Star-labeled product or building.
Energy Savings: The first known advantage of Energy Star Certification for a building is that the certification comes with the promise of enhanced energy efficiency. Measures that energy Star products and buildings conform to include reduced energy use and, therefore, lower utility bills and greenhouse gas emissions.
Eco-friendly: Consumers can also decide to go for Energy Star-certified products and buildings because they have made a deliberate attempt to make a positive impact on the environment. In the long run, this assists in the world fight against carbon pollution and thus slow rate of climate change.
Increased Comfort: Energy Star labeled heating, ventilation, and cooling equipment and lighting fixtures, as well as insulation, doors, and windows aim at providing the right temperature and humidity levels as well as acceptable indoor air quality.
Reliability: Energy Star certification guarantees the product or building performance in accordance with best set standards. This reliability ensures that the consumer is purchasing a good product that will do for them what they expect.
Recognition and Incentives: To promote the purchase of Energy Star certified built structures and products, government, utility, and local programs offer incentives and rebates to the proud owners. Although these incentives are not direct cash rebates, they may lower the cost of buying and having Energy Star certified products or materials installed or making energy efficient changes to a building.