ENERGY STAR
U.S. voluntary program for energy efficiency certification
ISO 31000
International standard for risk management guidelines
Quick Verdict
ENERGY STAR certifies energy-efficient products and buildings via rigorous testing for cost savings and emissions cuts, while ISO 31000 provides risk management guidelines for better decisions and resilience. Companies adopt ENERGY STAR for market differentiation; ISO 31000 for strategic governance.
ENERGY STAR
U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR Program
Key Features
- Mandatory third-party certification and verification testing
- Category-specific performance thresholds above federal minimums
- Portfolio Manager benchmarking with 75+ score threshold
- Strict brand governance and mark usage rules
- Ongoing post-market verification of 5-20% models
ISO 31000
ISO 31000:2018 Risk management — Guidelines
Key Features
- Eight principles guiding effective risk management
- Framework for leadership and organizational integration
- Iterative six-step risk management process
- Non-certifiable guidelines for all organizations
- Emphasis on continual improvement and culture
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ENERGY STAR Details
What It Is
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. government-backed voluntary labeling and benchmarking program administered by the EPA since 1992, with DOE support on test procedures. It certifies superior energy efficiency across products, homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants using performance thresholds, standardized testing, and independent verification.
Key Components
- Category-specific efficiency metrics (e.g., EER/IEER for HVAC, AFUE for furnaces)
- Third-party certification via EPA-recognized labs and bodies
- Portfolio Manager tool for 1-100 building scores (75+ for certification)
- Ongoing verification testing (5-20% of models annually)
- Rigorous brand governance with mark usage rules
Why Organizations Use It
Reduces energy costs ($500B saved since inception), emissions (4B tons avoided), unlocks rebates/procurement advantages, enhances reputation (90% consumer recognition), supports ESG goals and regulatory benchmarking.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: assess gaps, test/certify products or benchmark buildings, deploy with labeling compliance, maintain via verification. Applies to manufacturers, builders, owners across U.S./Canada; requires partnership agreement, data submission, annual recertification for buildings.
ISO 31000 Details
What It Is
ISO 31000:2018, Risk management — Guidelines is an international standard providing non-certifiable guidance for enterprise-wide risk management. Its primary purpose is to help organizations systematically manage uncertainty affecting objectives, applicable to any size, sector, or type. It uses a principles-based, iterative approach emphasizing leadership integration and value creation/protection.
Key Components
- **Eight principlesIntegrated, structured/comprehensive, customized, inclusive, dynamic, best available information, human/cultural factors, continual improvement.
- Framework (Clause 5): Leadership commitment, integration, design, implementation, evaluation, improvement.
- Process (Clause 6): Communication/consultation, scope/context/criteria, risk assessment, treatment, monitoring/review, recording/reporting. Built on PDCA cycle; no fixed controls, focuses on tailored governance.
Why Organizations Use It
Enhances decision-making, resilience, and opportunity capture; supports compliance/regulatory expectations without certification. Builds stakeholder trust, reduces losses, improves efficiency/ROI via risk-informed strategies.
Implementation Overview
Phased rollout: executive sponsorship, gap analysis, pilot processes, integration, monitoring. Suited for all organizations globally; no certification, internal audits/assurance demonstrate alignment. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | ENERGY STAR | ISO 31000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Energy efficiency products, buildings, plants | Enterprise-wide risk management principles, framework |
| Industry | All sectors, US-focused products/buildings | All industries, sectors, organization types globally |
| Nature | Voluntary labeling, certification program | Non-certifiable guidelines, voluntary framework |
| Testing | Third-party lab testing, verification 5-20% | Internal audits, reviews, no mandatory testing |
| Penalties | Delisting, label removal, no fines | No formal penalties, internal governance only |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ENERGY STAR and ISO 31000
ENERGY STAR FAQ
ISO 31000 FAQ
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