What It Is

ENERGY STAR is a U.S. EPA-administered voluntary labeling and benchmarking program established in 1992. It sets category-specific performance thresholds for products, homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants, using standardized DOE test procedures and a 75+ ENERGY STAR score for certification.

Key Components

• Performance thresholds above federal minima (e.g., 15% better for refrigerators)
• Third-party certification by EPA-recognized labs and bodies
• Post-market verification testing (5-20% annually)
• Portfolio Manager for benchmarking
• Strict brand governance via Brand Book

Why Organizations Use It

Reduces energy costs ($500B saved since inception), emissions (4B tons avoided), unlocks rebates/procurement advantages, builds consumer trust (90% recognition), supports ESG goals and regulatory compliance like benchmarking laws.

Implementation Overview

Phased approach: assess gaps, test/certify products or benchmark buildings, deploy with labeling, maintain via verification. Applies to manufacturers, builders, facility managers across U.S.; requires ongoing data reporting and audits. (178 words)

What It Is

APRA Prudential Standard CPS 234 (Information Security) is a binding prudential regulation issued by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, effective 1 July 2019. It mandates APRA-regulated entities like banks, insurers, and super funds to maintain information security capabilities commensurate with threats and vulnerabilities, minimizing impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets. Its risk-based approach emphasizes governance, proportionality, and assurance.

Key Components

• **Governance and accountabilityBoard ultimate responsibility, defined roles.
• **Core requirementsAsset classification, commensurate controls, systematic testing, incident response, third-party oversight.
• No fixed control count; focuses on outcomes with internal audit assurance.
• Compliance via evidence of testing, remediation, and 72-hour/10-day APRA notifications.

Why Organizations Use It

• Mandatory for regulated entities to avoid enforcement.
• Enhances resilience, reduces incident impacts, builds trust.
• Strategic benefits: competitive edge, better vendor terms, cost avoidance.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, policy framework, asset register, controls, testing, monitoring. Applies to all sizes in APRA sectors (Australia); requires ongoing assurance, no formal certification.