Does Energy Star label have a dark side?

October 19th, 2009, 4:13 pm · Post a Comment · posted by Pat Brennan, green living, environment editor

Some manufacturers could be getting away with slapping an “Energy Star” label on appliances that don’t deserve it, a new Energy Department audit shows.

According to a story Monday in the New York Times, an internal audit showed that the Energy Department does not adequately check out products that carry the label, which is supposed to signal a high degree of energy efficiency to consumers.

Some $300 million in federal stimulus dollars is intended to go to rebates for consumers who buy Energy Star appliances.

While window and lighting companies must have independent verification to obtain the label, makers of other products, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and water heaters can certify the products themselves.

Read New York Times story.

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