Since its inception more than 10 years ago, ENERGY STAR^® has become a critical part of energy-efficiency program development and promotion. To ensure continued promotion of ENERGY STAR by CEE members, the brand must enable administrators to further program goals and maintain relevance and integrity in the marketplace.

Toward that end, the ENERGY STAR Program has instituted several policies and procedures for ensuring brand integrity. EPA and DOE have released an 87-page document entitled Maintaining the Value of ENERGY STAR. It includes information about updating specifications, industry partnerships, the testing of products, assessing consumer experiences with the label, and guidelines for using the logo.

The report also addresses steps taken by ENERGY STAR to obtain market share data (e.g., manufacturer shipment data and retailer sales data) through enforcement of Partnership Agreements. Access to market share tracking data remains a top priority of CEE members.

This report was a direct outcome of the Board Committee's work with ENERGY STAR to document the procedures currently in place to maintain brand integrity (see related story).

To learn more about the report or to obtain an electronic copy, contact CEE Residential Program Manager John Taylor at 617-589-3949, ext. 228.

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