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There are a variety of ways a product might falsely claim to be Energy Star qualified:

• An unscrupulous manufacturer might simply lie about a product's ability to meet the Energy Star standard to increase sales.

• A manufacturer might "misinterpret" the testing requirements and falsely claim a product meets the Energy Star standard.

• A manufacturer might design a product to pass the Energy Star test but fail to meet the intention of the Energy Star program. A well-known appliance manufacturer, for example, has been accused of using advanced computer circuitry in its products to determine when the product is being tested to Energy Star protocols and to adjust to pass the test.

• A well-intentioned manufacturer might design a product that initially meets the Energy Star standard and then add product features that degrade the product's energy efficiency later in the design process. Without the pressure to provide proof that the final product meets the standard, products might mistakenly claim to meet the Energy Star standard.

Role of professional purchasers

Professional purchasers, given their large purchasing volume, have the ability to require manufacturers and suppliers to provide information that they normally refuse to provide to average consumers. In the case of products claiming to meet Energy Star, purchasers can require proof of the energy efficiency claim.

Purchasers can request a variety of forms of proof:

• Ask companies to provide a statement signed by a company executive stating that the product when used under typical conditions will meet the Energy Star standard.
• Require that the company provide a copy of its Energy Star test protocols, a copy of test data for the product claiming to meet the Energy Star standard, and a signed statement by a company executive verifying the accuracy of the information provided.
• Require the company to have its Energy Star claim verified by an independent third-party.

Government purchasers also might require that companies provide public proof of their claims. Requiring manufacturers to post proof of their Energy Star and other environmental claims in a consistent format on a government or company website will force companies to be more careful with their energy efficiency and other environmental claims. Once posted on a website, the claims are available to public scrutiny, which increases the odds someone can discover any inaccurate information.

Purchasers know that specifying Energy Star-compliant products can help their organizations reduce electricity use, save money and lower global warming pollution compared to similar performing products. When suppliers threatened with losing business make an environmental claim, government purchasers should ask for proof. When developing contract language, purchasers should consider using language such as, "Products purchased under this contract must provide demonstrable proof of meeting the Energy Star standard. The Energy Star standard is available at www.energystar.gov."

Energy Star is one of the world's most important eco-labels. It helps save money and reduce global warming. It helps everyone buy better products. Let's use our purchasing power to help Energy Star really shine. Ask for proof.

Scot Case has been researching and promoting responsible purchasing issues for 16 years. He is vice president of TerraChoice Environmental Marketing, which manages the EcoLogo program. scase@terrachoice.com or 610-779-3770.