The EPA has revised Energy Star standards for residential refrigerators and freezers, requiring the certified appliances to use at least 10 percent less energy than models meeting the federal minimum efficiency standards for 2014. The standard also encourages manufacturers to include “connected” features, which make the appliances smart grid-ready, and allow consumers to view real-time energy use. The updated specification will go into effect in September 2014.
NSF International and the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) have released a new Product Category Rule for office storage products. The PCR defines a method for reporting the lifecycle environmental impacts of casegoods, files, cabinets and other related products.
The Singapore Environment Council and public transit company SMRT Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding to create Project: Eco-Shop, which they describe as Singapore’s first comprehensive eco-certification program for shop owners, encompassing environmental management, purchasing and operations, air quality, energy, water and waste. SMRT and SEC will debut the programme with all 32 tenants at Woodlands Xchange, a mall opening this year.
Two eWaste Recycling Solutions facilities in Auburn and Lewiston, Maine have achieved R2/RIOS certification. The company underwent a third-party audit to verify its compliance with quality, environmental, health and safety standards.
Atlantic Energy Group’s new renewable energy certificate product for commercial and government customers has been certified by Green-e Energy, meeting envirionmental and consumer-protection standards.
