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by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) · Est. 1992
Free to apply; testing costs vary
Ongoing compliance with updated standards
Washington, D.C., USA
Appliances, Electronics, Buildings, Industrial plants
Based on independence of verification, scope of assessment, transparency of criteria, and track record.
Energy Star is the most widely recognized energy efficiency certification in North America. Products carrying the label must meet strict efficiency criteria set by the EPA, typically performing 10-50% better than non-certified equivalents. The program covers everything from light bulbs to commercial buildings.
Official websiteEnergy Star certifies products across 75+ categories including appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers), electronics (TVs, computers, monitors), HVAC systems, lighting, windows, and commercial buildings. Each category has specific energy consumption thresholds that products must meet or exceed.
Manufacturers submit products for testing at EPA-recognized laboratories. Products must meet or exceed the efficiency specifications for their category. Third-party certification bodies verify test results. Once certified, products must continue to meet standards through ongoing verification testing.
Some argue that Energy Star standards haven't kept pace with the market — that many uncertified products now meet or exceed the thresholds. The program was also criticized after a 2010 Government Accountability Office report showed it could be gamed by submitting fictional products (since tightened). The focus on relative efficiency means the most efficient large appliance may still use more energy than a smaller, less efficient one.
Energy Star means a product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US EPA. Certified products typically use 10-50% less energy than standard models.
Yes. The EPA estimates that Energy Star products have saved Americans over $500 billion in energy costs since the program began in 1992.
Energy Star is primarily a US and Canadian program, though it's recognized internationally. The EU, Australia, and Japan have their own energy efficiency labels.
Energy Star products sometimes cost slightly more upfront, but the energy savings typically pay back the difference within 1-3 years.
Certifications tell part of the story — use our free calculators with country-specific data to measure your actual carbon footprint.
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