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Links

One of the most useful features of a Web site is its ability to link content with other sources of related information. Hyperlinks can transport users to specific areas of Web pages, other pages within a site, or external Web sites.

EERE disclaims responsibility for content on non-federal sites on the Web Site Policies page, linked from the footer on most EERE Web pages.

Requirements:

When sending a visitor to a site outside of EERE, E-government standards require that you notify visitors that they are leaving EERE. The preferred method for notifying visitors on EERE is to identify the destination Web site in the link text or in the surrounding description (e.g., See ENERGY STAR's information on Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency).

Hyperlinks should:

  • Be short and precise
  • Not refer to a Web "function" (wrong: "Click here for a list of our researchers." right: "Scan our list of researchers to see who might be able to answer your question.")
  • Be written so it is clear where in the document they lead (wrong: "next" right: "next chapter")
  • Emphasize only the distinctive words in a list of links:
    • Wrong: "renewable energy info for homeowners, renewable energy info for small businesses"
    • Right:
      Renewable energy info for:
      • Homeowners
      • Small businesses

Best Practices:

  • Include hyperlinks to other relevant sites or sections of your site in your text (try to have at least one hyperlink for every screen of content).
  • Notify visitors when they are leaving your site for another site within EERE (e.g., a link from the State Energy Program site to the Photovoltaics page on the Solar site might read as follows: "See the Photovoltaics information from the Solar Energy Technologies Program.").

Responding to Link Requests

EERE receives many requests to link to external sites and for permission from external sites to link to EERE. Below are guidelines for handling these requests.

Requests for EERE to Link to External Sites

Links to external Web sites can provide additional information that may be useful for visitors to your site. These links should be carefully selected to ensure that the information is useful, accurate, and timely. EERE disclaims responsibility for content on non-federal sites on the Web Site Policies page, linked from the footer on most EERE Web pages.

EERE follows DOE's linking policy for external links. DOE's criteria should be considered when evaluating requests to add external links and may be cited when denying submissions. You may use the following template when responding to a submission that is not appropriate for EERE:

Thank you for your request to link your site from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Web site. Unfortunately, we will not be able to link to your site for the following reasons:

- [List linking criteria here]

We appreciate your interest in the EERE Web site.

Sincerely,
EERE [Site Name] Webmaster

Requests to Link to EERE

External sites often request permission to link to EERE sites. Links to EERE are always welcome, but use of the DOE or EERE logo or header is not allowed. You may want to use the following template when responding to requests to link to EERE and use the logo:

Thank you for your inquiry and your interest in linking to the EERE Web site. You are welcome to link to the EERE Web site, but unfortunately we cannot grant permission for you to use the DOE or EERE logos.

Also, please note that links or other materials may not be used to state or imply the endorsement of EERE or any EERE employee of a commercial product, service, or activity or be used in any other manner that might mislead the public. Our full Web Site Policies, which include linking, can be found here: http://www.eere.energy.gov/webpolicies/.

Thanks again for your interest.

Sincerely,
EERE [Site Name] Webmaster

Related Link Information: