Codes and Standards

Codes and standards are an important tool for providing consistency in the way many products are developed and used. Standards are sets of technical definitions and instructions for designers, manufacturers, and users written by experts in the field. They promote safety, reliability, productivity, and efficiency in many industries and often represent a consensus view. Standards are voluntary guidelines, but do not have the force of law behind them. A code, on the other hand, is a standard that has been adopted by one or more governmental bodies and is enforceable as a law. Standards and codes serve as a common language, defining quality and establishing safety criteria and other attributes. Standardization can lower costs, simplify training, and allow for interchangeability of products.

Energetics conducts a number of activities related to codes and standards. We apply technical expertise to identify gaps in standardization and identify areas where lack of standardization is impeding technology development. We work with technology developers and standards organizations to understand the challenges to the development of codes and standards and help to facilitate progress toward real-world solutions. In addition, we have assisted with the development of standards and design practices for new energy technologies and systems for tracking building and appliance codes. Our work related to codes and standards has covered diverse areas including energy storage, environmental health and safety, nanotechnology, ISO for energy management, buildings and appliances, biosciences, nano-electrotechnologies, water management, biofuels infrastructure, and others.