Standards Comparison

    ENERGY STAR

    Voluntary
    1992

    U.S. voluntary program for energy efficiency certification

    VS

    ISO 56002

    Voluntary
    2019

    International guidance standard for innovation management systems

    Quick Verdict

    ENERGY STAR certifies energy-efficient products and buildings through rigorous testing for cost/emission savings, while ISO 56002 guides innovation management systems for systematic value creation. Companies adopt ENERGY STAR for market differentiation and rebates; ISO 56002 for strategic innovation governance.

    Energy Efficiency

    ENERGY STAR

    EPA ENERGY STAR Program

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

    ISO 56002

    ISO 56002:2019 Innovation management system — Guidance

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • PDCA cycle for IMS structure and continual improvement
    • Leadership commitment and future-focused governance
    • Portfolio management balancing risk and horizons
    • Balanced KPIs for inputs, throughput, outcomes, learning
    • Tailorable to SMEs with diagnostics like PII

    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. It spans products, homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants, using category-specific performance thresholds, standardized testing, and independent verification to signal top-tier efficiency.

    Key Components

    • Performance thresholds exceeding federal minimums (e.g., 15% better for refrigerators).
    • Third-party certification via EPA-recognized labs and bodies.
    • Portfolio Manager for building scores (75+ for certification).
    • Ongoing verification testing (5-20% annually) and brand governance. Built on DOE test procedures; annual certification for buildings.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Reduces energy costs ($500B saved since 1992), emissions (4B tons avoided), unlocks rebates/procurement. Enhances reputation, meets ESG goals, differentiates in markets. Voluntary yet de facto standard via incentives.

    Implementation Overview

    Assess via Portfolio Manager, test/certify products, benchmark buildings, verify annually by PE/RA. Applies to manufacturers, owners across sectors; phased: gap analysis (4-8 weeks), testing (3-12 months), ongoing monitoring. Involves labs, CBs, data submission.

    ISO 56002 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 56002:2019 is an international guidance standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Innovation Management System (IMS). It provides a generic, non-prescriptive framework applicable to all organizations, focusing on transforming innovation into a strategic capability using the PDCA cycle.

    Key Components

    • Seven core clauses (4-10): context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
    • Eight principles: value realization, future-focused leadership, strategic direction, culture, insights exploitation, uncertainty management, adaptability, systems thinking.
    • Built on Annex SL for integration with ISO standards like 9001; no fixed controls, voluntary conformity.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives repeatable value from innovation, improves ROI, portfolio governance.
    • Enhances resilience, market responsiveness, stakeholder confidence.
    • Mitigates risks like project failure, resource waste; boosts competitiveness.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: diagnosis, design, pilot, scale, sustain (12-18 months typical).
    • Involves maturity assessments (e.g., PII), policy development, tooling, audits.
    • Suits all sizes/sectors; optional certification via ISO 56001.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ENERGY STAR
    Energy efficiency in products, buildings, plants
    ISO 56002
    Innovation management systems and processes

    Industry

    ENERGY STAR
    All sectors, US-focused, all organization sizes
    ISO 56002
    All sectors worldwide, all organization sizes

    Nature

    ENERGY STAR
    Voluntary labeling/benchmarking program
    ISO 56002
    Voluntary management system guidance

    Testing

    ENERGY STAR
    Third-party lab tests, post-market verification
    ISO 56002
    Internal audits, management reviews

    Penalties

    ENERGY STAR
    Delisting, label revocation, no fines
    ISO 56002
    No formal penalties, internal nonconformities

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ENERGY STAR and ISO 56002

    ENERGY STAR FAQ

    ISO 56002 FAQ

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