ENERGY STAR is a joint initiative of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that promotes energy-efficient products and practices. Because the ENERGY STAR products program has grown to encompass products in more than 60 categories and is relied upon by millions of Americans, EPA and DOE have put into place requirements for enhanced testing and verification.
ANSI's program accredits certification bodies that seek recognition from EPA to certify products under the ENERGY STAR program. Launched as a pilot program in August 2010, the program assesses applicant certification bodies against the requirements set forth in the EPA's Conditions and Criteria for Recognition of Certification Bodies for the ENERGY STAR Program; ISO/IEC Guide 65, General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems; and IAF - GD 5 - 2006, IAF Guidance on the application of ISO/IEC Guide 65.
The ANAB/ACLASS program accredits to another requirement of ENERGY STAR: computer specification test methods. The EPA requires that any laboratory wishing to conduct verification testing of ENERGY STAR-qualified computers hold accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. The purpose of verification testing is to provide regular checks on the ENERGY STAR self-qualification process by requiring impartial testing of ENERGY STAR-qualified products in accredited laboratories.
"Through this new initiative, organizations seeking accreditation under both the ANSI and ACLASS programs can save time and effort by submitting application materials to the joint program," said Lane Hallenbeck, ANSI vice president of accreditation services. "We are pleased to provide this convenience to our customer as we continue to enhance our accreditation offerings to meet the needs of clients."
Both programs will still be available on an individual basis for customers seeking accreditation from one or the other.
For more information, contact Reinaldo Figueiredo, senior program director ([email protected]; 202.331.3611).