The government’s Energy Star program to label products that are more energy efficient was in the news recently (and there are a lot of different products that have the label). The New York Times ran a story on how auditors, when asked by congress, submitted 20 fake and often ridiculous products to be approved for the stickers many environmentally aware people look for when they buy appliances like refrigerators (an AP report is also available).
GAO obtained Energy Star certifications for 15 bogus products, including a gas-powered alarm clock. – (GAO, 2010)
The Energy Star investigation was done by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), which is often tasked with checking up on the other branches of the government. The GAO website is a great information source because they post very readable summaries of their reports, and a highlights page that answers the question, “Why GAO Did This Study” and “What GAO Found”.
This study highlights the lesson that while we want to be environmentally aware, we must always remain skeptical of claims pushed by manufacturers, even if they are supported by government certification. It also highlights an excellent application of the concept of checks and balances. One branch of government (congress) checks up on others (EPA and DOE who run the Energy Star program are part of the executive branch) and the others are forced to improve.