What is the primary objective of **ENERGY STAR**?

**ENERGY STAR's primary objective is to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by promoting superior energy efficiency through a voluntary U.S. government-backed labeling and benchmarking program.** Launched by the EPA in 1992 with DOE support, it sets category-specific performance thresholds above federal minimums (e.g., refrigerators 15% more efficient, furnaces ≥90% AFUE), uses standardized test methods (10 CFR parts 430/429/431), mandates third-party certification, and enforces ongoing verification testing (5-20% annual rates by category) to drive market transformation, achieving 5 trillion kWh savings and $500 billion in costs since inception.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **ENERGY STAR**?

**No organizations are legally required to comply with ENERGY STAR, as it is a fully voluntary program.** Manufacturers, builders, building owners, and industrial plants participate professionally to gain market differentiation, access rebates, meet procurement specs, and benchmark performance via Portfolio Manager; over 80,000 product models, 2.7 million homes, and 330,000 commercial buildings (30 billion sq ft) are certified, with partners like 40% of Fortune 500 firms leveraging it for efficiency and ESG goals.

Does **ENERGY STAR** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, ENERGY STAR requires mandatory third-party certification and ongoing verification testing for products, buildings, and plants.** Products must be tested in EPA-recognized labs, certified by EPA-recognized bodies via the Qualified Product Exchange (QPX), and subject to post-market verification (5-20% of models annually); buildings need an ENERGY STAR score ≥75 with annual licensed PE/RA verification; failures trigger disqualification and public delisting.

How often should an assessment for **ENERGY STAR** be performed?

**ENERGY STAR assessments via Portfolio Manager benchmarking should be performed continuously with annual recertification for certified buildings and plants.** Product certification is initial plus ongoing verification testing (category-specific 5-20% annual rates); buildings require 12-month rolling data for score ≥75, verified yearly by PE/RA; specifications evolve with effective dates (e.g., Light Commercial HVAC v3.1, Jan 1, 2018).

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **ENERGY STAR**?

**Non-compliance with ENERGY STAR results in model disqualification, label revocation, and public listing on EPA integrity pages.** Verified failures in post-market testing (5-20% rates) lead to delisting, market exclusion from rebates/procurement, reputational damage, and corrective actions; brand misuse incurs enforcement without fines, as it's voluntary, but erodes trusted signaling for 80,000+ certified models.

An **ENERGY STAR** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, ENERGY STAR's architecture of performance thresholds, standardized testing, and third-party verification maps readily to frameworks like ISO 50001.** Its EnPI benchmarking aligns with ISO 50001's PDCA cycle, SEU identification, and audits; building scores complement ISO 50001 energy reviews, enabling dual compliance for industrial plants and portfolios pursuing global efficiency standards.

What is the first step to begin implementing **ENERGY STAR**?

**The first step to implement ENERGY STAR is signing a partnership agreement with EPA to obtain an Organization ID (OID) in My ENERGY STAR Account (MESA).** For products, review category specs (e.g., Light Commercial HVAC: ≥65,000-<240,000 Btu/h, EER/IEER/COP thresholds), test in recognized labs, and submit via CBs; for buildings/plants, enter 12-month data into Portfolio Manager for baseline score.

What is the primary objective of **ISO 27017**?

**ISO 27017 provides cloud-specific implementation guidance for 37 **ISO 27002** controls and introduces 7 additional cloud-specific **CLD controls** to address shared responsibilities, multi-tenancy, and virtualization risks within an **ISO 27001** ISMS.** Published in 2015, it clarifies responsibilities for **cloud service providers (CSPs)** and **cloud service customers (CSCs)**, covering areas like virtual machine configuration hardening (**CLD.9.5.2**), segregation in virtual environments (**CLD.9.5.1**), asset return/termination, customer monitoring (**CLD.12.4.5**), and administrative operations security.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **ISO 27017**?

**No organization is legally required to comply with **ISO 27017**, as it is a voluntary code of practice, not a mandatory regulation.** Professionally, it applies to **CSPs** operating multi-tenant environments and **CSCs** consuming IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS services, particularly those with **ISO 27001** ISMS seeking cloud-specific enhancements. It is driven by procurement demands, regulatory alignment (e.g., GDPR data protection), and risk management for cloud-heavy operations.

Oes **ISO 27017** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**No, **ISO 27017** does not support standalone third-party certification or require a separate external audit.** It is implemented within an **ISO 27001** ISMS, with its controls assessed during **ISO 27001** audits by accredited certification bodies; auditors verify the 7 **CLD controls** and 37 extended controls as part of the overall scope.

How often should an assessment for **ISO 27017** be performed?

**Assessments for **ISO 27017** controls occur as part of **ISO 27001** surveillance audits, typically annually.** Re-certification audits happen every 3 years, with continuous monitoring required to address changes in cloud services, risks, or the forthcoming ISO 27017 second edition expected mid-2020s.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **ISO 27017**?

**Non-compliance with **ISO 27017** carries no direct legal penalties, as it is voluntary, but results in heightened cloud security risks like data breaches from misconfigurations or shared responsibility gaps.** Indirect consequences include failed procurements, regulatory scrutiny under data protection laws, loss of **ISO 27001** certification scope, and competitive disadvantage for **CSPs** lacking cloud-specific assurances.

An **ISO 27017** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, **ISO 27017** controls map effectively to frameworks like **NIST SP 800-53**, **CSA STAR**, **SOC 2**, and **PCI-DSS** for cloud contexts.** The 7 **CLD controls** and 37 extended **ISO 27002** implementations enable unified compliance evidence, reducing audit fatigue; 70% of **CSPs** map to **NIST 800-53** for multi-framework alignment.

What is the first step to begin implementing **ISO 27017**?

**The first step is to conduct a cloud-specific risk assessment within your **ISO 27001** ISMS to identify applicable controls.** Define scope for cloud services, document shared responsibilities (**CLD.6.3.1**), update the Statement of Applicability with the 7 **CLD controls** and 37 guidance areas, then map to existing **ISO 27002** implementations.

ENERGY STAR vs ISO 27017

Q: What is the primary objective of **ISO 27017**?

**ISO 27017 provides cloud-specific implementation guidance for 37 **ISO 27002** controls and introduces 7 additional cloud-specific **CLD controls** to address shared responsibilities, multi-tenancy, and virtualization risks within an **ISO 27001** ISMS.** Published in 2015, it clarifies responsibilities for **cloud service providers (CSPs)** and **cloud service customers (CSCs)**, covering areas like virtual machine configuration hardening (**CLD.9.5.2**), segregation in virtual environments (**CLD.9.5.1**), asset return/termination, customer monitoring (**CLD.12.4.5**), and administrative operations security.

Q: Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **ISO 27017**?

**No organization is legally required to comply with **ISO 27017**, as it is a voluntary code of practice, not a mandatory regulation.** Professionally, it applies to **CSPs** operating multi-tenant environments and **CSCs** consuming IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS services, particularly those with **ISO 27001** ISMS seeking cloud-specific enhancements. It is driven by procurement demands, regulatory alignment (e.g., GDPR data protection), and risk management for cloud-heavy operations.

Q: Oes **ISO 27017** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**No, **ISO 27017** does not support standalone third-party certification or require a separate external audit.** It is implemented within an **ISO 27001** ISMS, with its controls assessed during **ISO 27001** audits by accredited certification bodies; auditors verify the 7 **CLD controls** and 37 extended controls as part of the overall scope.

Standards Comparison

ENERGY STAR

Voluntary

1992

U.S. voluntary program for energy efficiency certification

ISO 27017

Voluntary

2015

International code of practice for cloud security controls

Quick Verdict

ENERGY STAR drives energy efficiency via voluntary certification for products and buildings, saving costs and emissions. ISO 27017 provides cloud security guidance within ISO 27001, clarifying shared responsibilities for providers and customers to mitigate risks.

Energy Efficiency

ENERGY STAR

U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR Program

Cost

€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Mandatory third-party certification and verification testing
Category-specific performance thresholds above federal minimums
Standardized DOE test procedures for repeatability
Strict brand governance and mark usage rules
Portfolio Manager benchmarking for buildings and plants

Cloud Security

ISO 27017

ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security

Cost

€€€

Complexity

Medium

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
Introduces 7 cloud-specific CLD security controls
Provides dual guidance for providers and customers
Addresses multi-tenancy and VM segregation hardening
Integrates seamlessly with ISO 27001 ISMS audits

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-administered voluntary labeling and benchmarking program for superior energy performance. Launched in 1992 with DOE collaboration, it sets category-specific efficiency criteria across products, homes, buildings, and industrial plants using performance thresholds, standardized tests, and verification.

Key Components

**Performance thresholdsTop-tier efficiency (e.g., 15% above federal minimums for appliances).
**Standardized testingDOE procedures in CFR.
**Third-party certificationEPA-recognized labs/CBs, post-market verification (5-20% annually).
**Brand governanceStrict mark usage via Brand Book. Certification model requires ongoing compliance and annual building recertification at 75+ score.

Why Organizations Use It

Drives $500B+ savings, 5T kWh reduced, 4B tons GHG avoided. Unlocks rebates, procurement preference, ESG credibility. Mitigates risks from misuse/delisting; builds consumer trust (90% recognition).

Implementation Overview

Phased: assess/gap analysis, test/certify, deploy/monitor, verify continuously. Applies to manufacturers, builders, owners across sizes/industries, U.S.-focused. Needs lab testing, Portfolio Manager, PE/RA verification.

ISO 27017 Details

What It Is

ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice providing cloud-specific guidance for information security controls. It extends ISO/IEC 27002 for cloud services across IaaS, PaaS, SaaS in public, private, hybrid models. Adopting a risk-based approach, it integrates into an ISO 27001 ISMS to address shared responsibilities and multi-tenancy.

Key Components

37 adapted ISO 27002 controls with cloud implementation guidance
**7 new CLD cloud-specific controlsshared roles (CLD.6.3.1), asset lifecycle, VM segregation (CLD.9.5.1), hardening (CLD.9.5.2), admin ops (CLD.12.1.5), customer monitoring (CLD.12.4.5), network alignment
Built on ISO 27001; assessed via ISMS audits, dual CSP/CSC perspectives

Why Organizations Use It

Tackles cloud risks like isolation gaps, unclear duties
Meets procurement, regulatory needs (GDPR alignment)
Enhances risk management, operational maturity
Boosts trust, differentiation for CSPs/CSCs

Implementation Overview

Embed in ISO 27001 ISMS via risk assessment, SoA updates
Activities: map controls, configure monitoring/segregation, define responsibilities
Suits cloud-reliant orgs globally; joint audits (9-12 months)

Key Differences

Aspect	ENERGY STAR	ISO 27017
Scope	Energy efficiency for products, buildings, plants	Cloud-specific information security controls
Industry	All sectors, products, buildings, US-focused	Cloud providers/customers, global IT/security
Nature	Voluntary labeling/benchmarking program	Guidance code for ISO 27001 ISMS extension
Testing	Third-party lab tests, verification 5-20% annually	ISO 27001 audits include cloud control assessments
Penalties	Delisting, label removal, no legal fines	Audit nonconformities, certification loss

Scope

ENERGY STAR

Energy efficiency for products, buildings, plants

ISO 27017

Cloud-specific information security controls

Industry

ENERGY STAR

All sectors, products, buildings, US-focused

ISO 27017

Cloud providers/customers, global IT/security

Nature

ENERGY STAR

Voluntary labeling/benchmarking program

ISO 27017

Guidance code for ISO 27001 ISMS extension

Testing

ENERGY STAR

Third-party lab tests, verification 5-20% annually

ISO 27017

ISO 27001 audits include cloud control assessments

Penalties

ENERGY STAR

Delisting, label removal, no legal fines

ISO 27017

Audit nonconformities, certification loss

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ENERGY STAR and ISO 27017

ENERGY STAR FAQ

ISO 27017 FAQ

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ENERGY STAR

ISO 27017

Quick Verdict

ENERGY STAR

Key Features

ISO 27017

Key Features

Detailed Analysis

ENERGY STAR Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

ISO 27017 Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

Key Differences

Scope

Industry

Nature

Testing

Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

ENERGY STAR FAQ

What is the primary objective of ENERGY STAR?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with ENERGY STAR?

Does ENERGY STAR require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for ENERGY STAR be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with ENERGY STAR?

An ENERGY STAR be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing ENERGY STAR?

ISO 27017 FAQ

What is the primary objective of ISO 27017?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with ISO 27017?

Oes ISO 27017 require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for ISO 27017 be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with ISO 27017?

An ISO 27017 be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing ISO 27017?

You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

ISO 27701 Standalone Certification in 2025: Debunking Myths and Navigating the New Reality

CMMC Sustainment Mastery: Continuous Monitoring, Annual Affirmations, and Subcontractor Flow-Down Playbook

CIS Controls v8.1 for Cloud & SaaS: A Practical Safeguard Playbook for AWS/Azure/GCP and Microsoft 365

Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages

CE Marking vs EN 1090

ISO 50001 vs AS9100

NIS2 vs ISO/IEC 42001:2023