Update About Energy Star Version 6

Dear Members,

On June 11, 2025, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) issued Program Bulletin 139, confirming that it has paused development of Version 6 of the ENERGY STAR specification for fenestration products. This decision reflects the current uncertainty surrounding the future of the U.S. ENERGY STAR program. For context, there is a bilateral agreement under which ENERGY STAR Canada operates in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I've provided a link to the email provided by NRCan on Program Bulletin 139 in this thread.

To be clear: Version 5 of the ENERGY STAR specification remains fully in effect. There are no changes at this time to product eligibility, labelling, certification, or program participation under the existing criteria.

NRCan communicated this decision to members of the Energy Efficiency Fenestration Stakeholder Council (EEFSC), a group created by NRCan to bring together industry representatives and inform the future direction of both the ENERGY STAR program and a potential federal labelling initiative for fenestration products. NRCan has stated that it will not proceed further with Version 6 until more is known about the direction of the U.S. program.

At this point, I would urge caution in drawing conclusions. While the U.S. EPA has assigned a $0 budget line for ENERGY STAR in its 2026 draft budget, this does not necessarily indicate the program is being shut down. It may continue to exist as an “artifact”—still technically active but without dedicated staff, funding, or regular updates unless supported through other departmental resources. As of today, the EPA has not issued any formal notice of discontinuation of the Energy Star program as a whole.

Within Fenestration Canada, we have begun internal conversations around potential proactive responses should NRCan eventually phase out ENERGY STAR Canada. However, with many possible scenarios still in play, it is too early to take definitive action. We will continue monitoring the situation closely and will provide timely updates as more information becomes available.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Humbly yours,

Adrian Edge

Director - Codes and Regulatory Affairs