What It Is

ENERGY STAR is a U.S. EPA-administered voluntary labeling and benchmarking program established in 1992, partnered with DOE. It promotes superior energy efficiency across products, homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants through category-specific performance specifications and rigorous verification.

Key Components

• Performance thresholds exceeding federal minimums (e.g., 15% better for refrigerators).
• Standardized DOE test procedures.
• Mandatory third-party certification via recognized labs and bodies.
• Ongoing post-market verification (5-20% annual testing).
• Portfolio Manager for 1-100 building scores (75+ for certification).
• Strict brand governance via Brand Book.

Why Organizations Use It

Drives $500B+ savings, 4B tons GHG avoided; unlocks rebates, procurement edges, ESG credibility. Builds consumer trust (90% recognition), reduces costs, enhances reputation amid regulations.

Implementation Overview

Phased: assess gaps, test/certify products or benchmark buildings, deploy with labeling compliance, verify annually. Applies to manufacturers, builders, owners across sizes/industries; third-party audits required for certification.

What It Is

ISO 28000:2022 — Security and resilience — Security management systems — Requirements is an international certification standard for establishing, implementing, and improving a security management system (SMS). It adopts a risk-based, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach to protect supply chains from threats like theft, sabotage, and disruptions.

Key Components

• Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, and improvement.
• Focuses on risk assessment, controls (physical, procedural, technical), incident response, and supplier governance.
• Aligns with ISO High Level Structure for integration; no fixed control count—proportionate to risks.
• Optional third-party certification via accredited bodies per ISO 28003.

Why Organizations Use It

• Reduces incident costs, insurance premiums, and disruptions.
• Meets contractual/regulatory demands (e.g., C-TPAT equivalents).
• Enhances resilience, market access, trade facilitation, and stakeholder trust.
• Provides competitive edge in logistics, manufacturing, pharma.

Implementation Overview

• Phased: scoping, gap analysis, risk assessment, deployment, audits.
• Scalable for SMEs to multinationals; 6-36 months typical.
• Involves mapping, training, KPIs, internal audits, management reviews.