Manufacturers hoping to receive ENERGY STAR certification of their products will be adhering to more exacting standards.

Companies wishing to qualify their products as ENERGY STAR now must submit complete lab reports and results for review and approval by the Environmental Protection Agency prior to labeling. Following a review, EPA is no longer relying on an automated approval process.

Also, companies applying to be ENERGY STAR partners will not be able to access the ENERGY STAR certification mark until EPA has approved a specific qualified product submitted by the company.

Testing in an accredited lab previously was required for certain product categories, including windows, doors, skylights and compact fluorescent lighting.  The new process will extend the requirement to each of the more than 60 eligible product categories under the ENERGY STAR program.

“Consumers trust the ENERGY STAR brand to save them money and reduce carbon pollution,” said Cathy Zoi, Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.”The steps we are taking to strengthen the program will ensure that ENERGY STAR continues to be the hallmark for energy efficiency in the years to come.”