US and China Seek Uniformity in Efficiency Labeling

Mar 21, 2007 2:32 PM
By Mark Valentine, Technical Editor, Power Electronics Technology

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the China Standards Certification Center (CSC) have agreed to work toward harmonizing information on the Energy Star and CSC energy-efficiency labeling programs for consumer electronics and office equipment. This collaboration, which was recognized in a recent memorandum-of-understanding signing ceremony, builds on previous efforts by the two groups to expand the CSC’s certification and labeling program.

The EPA and CSC are now entering into a new stage of collaboration that has three principal goals:

• Harmonizing key elements of Energy Star and CSC product endorsement-labeling programs;
• Providing a more unified set of energy efficiency standards to manufacturers in both programs; and
• Building China's capacity to manage an internationally recognized product labeling program.

Specific activities towards achieving these goals will be initiated over the coming year. According to Enesta Jones, press officer for the EPA, the key elements that need to be harmonized between the EPA and CFC labeling programs are the test procedure, the efficiency specifications, the timetables for implementation and revision, and label usage requirements.

"EPA and CSC agree that saving energy, saving money, and protecting the environment just make sense," said Bill Wehrum, the EPA’s acting assistant administrator for Air and Radiation. "EPA, through the Energy Star program, has been working to change the way America powers its homes and businesses for 15 years, and it is a privilege to share our time-tested approaches with China."

According to Jones, the differences between the electrical infrastructure of two nations, such as those between America and Europe, do not present fundamental challenges to adapting Energy Star guidelines in China. However, concerns were raised about achieving the low standby power for televisions in China to meet basic Energy Star requirements due to the higher ac voltages there. Nevertheless, the low standby-power requirement was successfully adopted and implemented.

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