Standards Comparison

    ENERGY STAR

    Voluntary
    1992

    U.S. voluntary program certifying energy-efficient products and buildings

    VS

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    EU standard for steel and aluminium structural execution

    Quick Verdict

    ENERGY STAR drives voluntary energy efficiency certification for products and buildings via benchmarking and testing, saving costs and emissions. EN 1090 mandates CE marking for structural steel/aluminium via Factory Production Control, ensuring safety and market access.

    Energy Efficiency

    ENERGY STAR

    EPA ENERGY STAR Certification Program

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Mandatory third-party certification by EPA-recognized bodies
    • Ongoing post-market verification testing of 5-20% models
    • Category-specific performance thresholds above federal minimums
    • Standardized DOE test procedures for consistent metrics
    • Portfolio Manager benchmarking with 75+ score certification
    Structural Metalwork

    EN 1090

    EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Risk-based Execution Classes EXC1-EXC4
    • Factory Production Control FPC certification
    • CE marking and Declaration of Performance
    • Welding quality aligned with ISO 3834
    • Material traceability and NDT inspection

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    ENERGY STAR Details

    What It Is

    ENERGY STAR is the U.S. EPA's voluntary labeling and certification program for superior energy efficiency. It covers products, homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants using performance thresholds, standardized testing, and third-party verification to signal top-tier efficiency.

    Key Components

    • Category-specific specs (e.g., 15%+ above federal minimums, EER/IEER/COP metrics)
    • DOE test procedures (10 CFR codified)
    • Third-party labs, certification bodies, QPX reporting
    • Post-market verification (5-20% annually)
    • Portfolio Manager for 1-100 building scores (75+ threshold)
    • Brand governance via Brand Book Certification requires annual renewal for buildings/plants.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives $500B+ savings, 4B tons GHG avoided; unlocks rebates, procurement prefs. Builds trust (90% recognition), reduces costs/emissions, enhances ESG/reputation. Voluntary yet de facto standard via policies/utilities.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: assess/gap analysis (4-8wks), design/test/certify (3-12mo), deploy, verify/improve. Applies all sizes/industries (U.S./Canada focus); needs labs/CBs, data governance, ongoing VT. Third-party verification mandatory for certification.

    EN 1090 Details

    What It Is

    EN 1090 is the harmonized European standard (EN 1090-1, -2, -3) for execution and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components and kits under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). It employs a risk-based approach via Execution Classes (EXC1-4) to ensure safe fabrication, assembly, and market placement with CE marking.

    Key Components

    • **Factory Production Control (FPC)Certified system for process control, traceability, and inspections.
    • **Technical requirementsMaterials, welding (aligned with ISO 3834), tolerances, corrosion protection, NDT.
    • **AVCP systemsNotified Body certification, Initial Type Testing/Calculation (ITT/ITC), Declaration of Performance (DoP).
    • **Risk scalingLinks consequence, service, and production categories to EXC requirements.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for EU/EEA market access and CE marking.
    • Mitigates liability, ensures quality consistency.
    • Enables high-risk projects, builds stakeholder trust.
    • Drives operational maturity, competitive differentiation.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, FPC development, personnel/welding qualification, NB audits. Targets fabricators in construction; 6-12 months typical, with ongoing surveillance. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ENERGY STAR
    Energy efficiency labeling, benchmarking for products, buildings, plants
    EN 1090
    Execution, conformity of steel/aluminium structural components

    Industry

    ENERGY STAR
    All sectors, products, buildings; US-focused, global recognition
    EN 1090
    Construction, fabrication; EU/EEA mandatory for structural metals

    Nature

    ENERGY STAR
    Voluntary certification program with third-party verification
    EN 1090
    Mandatory harmonized standard for CE marking under CPR

    Testing

    ENERGY STAR
    Third-party lab testing, post-market verification (5-20% annually)
    EN 1090
    Factory Production Control certification, initial audits, surveillance

    Penalties

    ENERGY STAR
    Delisting, loss of label use, no legal fines
    EN 1090
    Market exclusion, fines, certificate suspension, legal liability

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ENERGY STAR and EN 1090

    ENERGY STAR FAQ

    EN 1090 FAQ

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