What It Is

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), or Regulation (EU) 2016/679, is a binding EU regulation modernizing data privacy. It safeguards individuals' personal data across the EU and extraterritorially, emphasizing a principles-based, accountability-driven approach with lawful processing bases.

Key Components

• Seven core **principleslawfulness/fairness/transparency, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
• Expanded **data subject rightsaccess, rectification, erasure ("right to be forgotten"), portability, objection, restriction.
• Key obligations: DPO appointment, DPIAs for high-risk processing, ROPA maintenance, 72-hour breach notifications.
• Enforcement-focused compliance model via national DPAs and EDPB.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandatory for any entity processing EU residents' data to avoid fines up to 4% global turnover. Enhances risk management, builds stakeholder trust, boosts reputation as privacy leader, sets global benchmark influencing laws like LGPD/CCPA.

Implementation Overview

Map data flows, assess risks, embed privacy-by-design/default. Train staff, appoint DPO, conduct DPIAs. Applies universally to organizations handling EU data, regardless of size/location. Ongoing DPA audits, no formal certification required.

What It Is

ENERGY STAR is a U.S. government-backed voluntary labeling and benchmarking program administered by the EPA, with DOE support on test procedures. It promotes superior energy efficiency across products, homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants through category-specific performance thresholds and independent verification.

Key Components

• Performance thresholds above federal minimums (e.g., 15% more efficient refrigerators, 90% AFUE furnaces)
• Standardized DOE test methods
• Mandatory third-party certification by EPA-recognized labs and bodies
• Ongoing verification testing (5-20% annually)
• Brand governance via controlled marks and Portfolio Manager benchmarking

Why Organizations Use It

• Reduces energy costs and emissions (5 trillion kWh saved since 1992)
• Unlocks rebates, procurement preferences, and market differentiation
• Builds stakeholder trust with credible, verified label (90% consumer recognition)
• Supports ESG goals and regulatory benchmarking

Implementation Overview

• Assess gaps, test/certify products or benchmark buildings
• Involves labs, certification bodies, data submission via QPX
• Applies to manufacturers, builders, owners across sizes/industries in U.S./Canada
• Annual third-party verification for buildings (score 75+)