Intertek Pledges Support to EPA and to Industry Through ENERGY STAR® Transition

CHICAGO--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced widespread change to its popular ENERGY STAR^® program in an effort to eliminate potential fraud and abuse. Intertek, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification services, as well as a long-time partner to the EPA and manufacturers submitting products to the ENERGY STAR^® program, is pledging its support for a smooth transition for all stakeholders through these changes.

A recent U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation found that the ENERGY STAR^® product qualification process was not sufficient to prevent manufacturers from falsifying information. As currently proposed by the EPA in its ENERGY STAR^® Enhanced Testing and Verification presentation, 3rd-party laboratory testing would become the default for all ENERGY STAR^® product qualification and ongoing verification. While the proposal does offer consideration for witness testing or in-house testing on a product-by-product basis, it states that 3rd-party testing is the preferred method for qualification.

Intertek has accredited laboratories throughout North America, Europe, and Asia and will continue to conduct 3rd-party ENERGY STAR^® testing for manufacturers across the range of product categories. As a key stakeholder in the ENERGY STAR^® program, Intertek will remain engaged in all program proposals during the coming weeks in order to support the ENERGY STAR^® brand, the best interests of Industry and ultimately the demand of American consumers for more energy efficient products that meet ENERGY STAR^® requirements.

About Intertek

Intertek (ITRK) is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 24,000 people in more than 100 countries around the world. www.intertek.com