The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the below discussion guide Nov. 14 to gather information and begin its work on the new ENERGY STAR Version 3.0 standard for Water Coolers.
NAMA will be working with members to compile the requested data in order to help inform EPA's process and ensure a positive standard is adopted.
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
OFFICE OF AIR AND RADIATION
November 14, 2019
Dear ENERGY STAR® Water Cooler Brand Owner or Other Interested Party:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) welcomes your input on the enclosed ENERGY STAR Version 3.0 Water Coolers Discussion Guide.
EPA is sharing this ENERGY STAR Version 3.0 Water Coolers Discussion Guide to invite stakeholder input on key topics for discussion prior to developing and releasing a Draft 1 Version 3.0 specification. EPA will host a webinar on December 5, 2019, to seek input from stakeholders on the topics outlined below. Please submit feedback and any relevant data to watercoolers@energystar.gov by December 19, 2019.
Background
The ENERGY STAR program helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the environment by identifying products with superior energy efficiency. EPA monitors market and technology developments, looking for opportunities to more fully serve stakeholders, and to drive increasing energy savings. The ENERGY STAR Unit Shipment Data Summary Report indicates that ENERGY STAR certified water coolers represent 62% of all units shipped in the United States in 2018. This high level of market share presents an opportunity to review the specification to ensure it continues to recognize top performing products and that the ENERGY STAR label continues to deliver meaningful energy savings to consumers.
Discussion Guide Summary
The Discussion Guide highlights multiple topics for further discussion which are summarized below. More details regarding these topics as well as specific questions are included in the Discussion Guide.
· Energy Savings Potential: Understanding the market and typical use schedules will improve estimates of overall energy savings in this product category. EPA seeks information from stakeholders regarding the market size and lifetime of leased and directly sold units to commercial and residential customers. This information is key to determining energy savings and the extent to which ENERGY STAR can effectively differentiate the more efficient models for a range of purchasers.
· Test Method Scope Considerations: EPA is evaluating the opportunity to introduce criteria based on the “On Mode Test with Water Draw – All Unit Types” and “On Mode Test with Water Draw – On Demand Units Only” which are both included in the current test method. In addition, EPA is considering revising the dispensed temperatures for hot and cold water.
· Clarifying Definitions and Scope: Products that provide a range of additional features such as sparkling or alkaline water have been added to the ENERGY STAR certified product list under Version 2.0. EPA seeks to clarify definitions and scope during the development of Version 3.0 such that all partners are clear on product types covered by this specification.
· Alternative Refrigerants and Foams: Across ENERGY STAR product categories, EPA is interested in recognizing products that use alternative, low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and foams; and, would like to understand the availability of those products.
· Data Assembly: Provided with this discussion guide is a Water Coolers Data Template which stakeholders are requested to use to provide test results for the current test method, as well as data with alternate dispensed water temperatures.
Comment Submittal Process
Stakeholders are encouraged to provide written comments for EPA consideration to watercoolers@energystar.gov by December 19, 2019. All comments will be posted to the ENERGY STAR Water Coolers Product Development website unless the submitter requests otherwise.
Stakeholder Meeting
EPA plans to host a stakeholder webinar on December 5, 2019 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm EST to review the Discussion Guide and address initial stakeholder comments and questions. Stakeholders interested in participating in this discussion should register here by December 4, 2019.
Please direct any specific questions to Tanja Crk, EPA, at [email protected] or 202-566-1037, and Julia Hegarty, ICF, at [email protected] or 202-862-1163.
Thank you for your continued support of the ENERGY STAR program.
Sincerely,
Tanja Crk, Product Manager
ENERGY STAR Commercial Food Service, Vending, Water Coolers
Enclosures:
Version 3.0 Specification and Test Method Discussion Guide
Questions?
Contact:
Mike Goscinski, Director, Federal & State Affairs, NAMA
1530 Wilson Blvd. Suite 720
Arlington, VA 22209
Office: 571.348.1214
