NAECE Vendor Standards

NAECE believes that energy-efficiency projects should not only reduce energy consumption but also protect consumers and promote responsible business practices throughout the supply chain.

To support these objectives, manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and other participating organizations may be required to meet NAECE Vendor Standards before becoming eligible for NAECE-supported programs.

Consumer Protection

NAECE seeks to ensure that consumers and project owners are protected throughout the lifecycle of a project. As part of our review process, participating organizations may be evaluated for:

• General liability insurance
• Product liability insurance
• Professional liability coverage where applicable
• Workers’ compensation coverage where required
• Compliance with local licensing requirements
• Financial and operational stability

The goal is to help ensure that appropriate protections exist should a product failure, installation issue, safety concern, or other unforeseen event occur.

Warranty Standards

Strong warranty policies help reduce waste, increase product longevity, and improve consumer confidence.

NAECE may review:

• Warranty duration
• Warranty claim procedures
• Warranty exclusions
• Historical warranty practices
• Responsiveness to customer claims
• Availability of replacement parts and support

Organizations with warranty policies that are deemed unreasonable, misleading, difficult to utilize, or inconsistent with industry best practices may be ineligible for participation.

Manufacturing Integrity

NAECE supports manufacturers that demonstrate a commitment to quality, compliance, and responsible production practices.

As part of our due diligence process, NAECE may consider:

• Product certifications
• Regulatory compliance history
• Product recalls
• Manufacturing violations
• Safety infractions
• Environmental compliance records
• Evidence of misleading product claims

Organizations with significant compliance concerns may be deemed ineligible for participation in NAECE-supported programs.

Advancing Sustainability Through Accountability

When manufacturers, distributors, and contractors are held to higher standards, consumers benefit from safer products, stronger warranties, and better long-term outcomes.

Higher-quality products generally last longer, require fewer replacements, generate less waste, and reduce the environmental impact associated with manufacturing, transportation, and disposal.

By promoting accountability throughout the supply chain, NAECE seeks to strengthen consumer confidence, support responsible businesses, and advance the long-term sustainability goals of North America.