FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2011-01-06

SCC-accredited certification bodies offer Energy Efficiency Verification as part of Canada-U.S. ENERGY STAR programs

Ottawa, Ontario (January 6, 2010) – The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications from certification bodies that wish to be recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR program, and/or by Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) for Energy Efficiency Verification services.

"We are extremely proud to have SCC-accreditation of certification bodies recognized as part of energy performance programs in both Canada and the U.S.," said Stephen Cross, SCC Director of Conformity Assessment.

The EPA ENERGY STAR program and NRCan’s OEE regulatory and ENERGY STAR programs, require SCC-accreditation of those certification bodies that provide authorization for the use of energy performance verification marks on prescribed products. In order for products to qualify under the Canadian and U.S. energy programs, product manufacturers must choose certification bodies whose scope reflects that their competence to perform Energy Efficiency Verification has been validated by the SCC.

ENERGY STAR is the international symbol of premium energy efficiency. Products that display the ENERGY STAR symbol have been tested according to prescribed procedures and have been found to meet or exceed higher energy efficiency levels without compromising performance. Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan's) Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) promotes the international ENERGY STAR symbol in Canada and monitors its use.

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is a Crown Corporation and a portfolio of Industry Canada. With the goal of enhancing Canada's economic competitiveness and social well-being, the SCC offers accreditation services to both standards development bodies, and conformity assessment organizations. In the area of conformity assessment, it provides services to over 400 clients, including product certification bodies. Its accreditation programs are based on internationally recognized standards and guides. For additional information on the work of the SCC visit www.scc.ca or email [email protected].

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