Embracing the Future: ENERGY STAR® Version 2.0 and Its Impact on Laboratory Equipment
Author: Jason Cook, Product Manager, Cold Chain
As a product manager at PHC Corporation of North America (PHCNA), I am pleased to share the release of the new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s ENERGY STAR® Version 2.0 requirements for laboratory-grade refrigerators and freezers, which will go into effect on June 30, 2025. PHCNA has been an ongoing stakeholder in the EPA's ENERGY STAR lab grade standard since it was first conceived in 2009. We have consistently held a seat on the committee that steers the creation and updating of these standards, ensuring our insights and expertise contribute to the development process. This update marks a milestone in the journey towards more energy-efficient laboratory equipment. The new certification not only broadens the scope of equipment categories but also sets a higher standard for manufacturers, pushing us to innovate and deliver superior products.
The Evolution of ENERGY STAR Certification
ENERGY STAR has long been a benchmark for energy efficiency and with the introduction of ENERGY STAR Version 2.0, we see an expansion in the product categories it covers to include combination units and smaller equipment. This evolution reflects the growing diversity in laboratory equipment and the need for more specialized energy efficiency standards. Currently, this standard mentions incubators and combination refrigerator/freezer units but these do not have certification criteria.
Advancements in Energy Efficiency
The new certification criteria emphasize the importance of reducing energy consumption across all applicable equipment types. This means that manufacturers must now focus on creating products that not only meet but also exceed these stringent standards. As a result, we are seeing a wave of innovation aimed at enhancing the energy efficiency of laboratory equipment leading to improved sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Addressing Defrost Spikes in Laboratory Grade Refrigerators
The ENERGY STAR Version 2.0 specification for Laboratory Grade Refrigerators and Freezers emphasizes the importance of managing temperature stability, particularly during defrost cycles. Defrost cycles can cause significant temperature fluctuations, which can impact the overall performance of the refrigerator1. The new standards require manufacturers to ensure that high performance refrigerators maintain a maximum peak variation in temperature, even during defrost cycles. This focus on temperature stability helps provide more consistent performance and can contribute to lower energy costs over time.
Auto Defrost vs. Manual Defrost in High-Performance Freezers
ENERGY STAR Version 2.0 also differentiates between auto defrost and manual defrost in high performance freezers. Auto defrost systems, while convenient, can lead to higher energy consumption. The new standards encourage the development of more efficient auto defrost systems or the use of manual defrost systems where appropriate, balancing convenience with energy efficiency.
More Sizes for Ultra-Low Temperature (ULT) Freezers
The certification now includes a wider range of sizes for ULT freezers, recognizing that different sizes have different energy rating criteria. This change acknowledges the diverse needs of laboratories and ensures that all ULT freezers, regardless of size, meet the highest energy efficiency standards. This is particularly important for labs with varying storage requirements, as it allows them to choose the most energy-efficient option for their specific needs.
Proposed +/-2 Uniformity Change That Was Not Adopted
One of the most notable modification proposals that was not adopted in ENERGY STAR Version 2.0 was the +/-2 uniformity requirement for high performance refrigerators. The reason this proposal was not adopted is because it conflicted with long known standards of the WHO, ICH, and NSF/ANSI of +/-3 for vaccine storage. The +/- 2 requirement would have aligned with the blood bank requirement which is stricter and costlier. This would have potentially limited market competition and driven up costs for end users. While this proposal was not adopted, it highlighted the challenges encountered when trying to balance performance, energy efficiency, and cost while setting fair standards for users and manufacturers.
Immediate Testing and Compliance Deadlines
Manufacturers can request to be tested to ENERGY STAR Version 2.0 standards effective immediately as of October 1, 2024. Testing labs that certify for ENERGY STAR will stop testing the current version after February 14, 2025. Additionally, any equipment manufactured after June 30, 2025 must meet these new requirements to bear the ENERGY STAR mark. This transition period allows manufacturers to adapt to the new standards and ensure their products comply with the latest energy efficiency criteria.
Conclusion
ENERGY STAR Version 2.0 represents a significant step forward in laboratory refrigerator and freezer energy efficiency and sustainability. By expanding the categories covered and setting higher standards, it challenges us to innovate and deliver better products. At PHC Corporation of North America, we are excited to embrace these new standards and continue our journey towards creating the most energy-efficient laboratory equipment on the market.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and lead the way in energy-efficient laboratory solutions.
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