EPA strengthens computer monitor energy standards and launches new energy star standard for power adaptors.
Effective Jan. 1, 2005, computer monitors must meet more energy-efficient requirements to qualify for the ENERGY STAR label. For the first time, the specification addresses energy consumption while monitors are in use, as well as while they are idle. Many models on the market already meet EPA’s new specifications.
By 2010, EPA estimates that the new requirements will result in carbon emission savings of almost 5 million metric tonnes (carbon equivalent), or the equivalent of taking more than 3 million cars off the road. The previous computer monitor requirements called for only a “sleep mode” energy-saving function.
A specification for computer monitors has been in effect since July 1999 and market penetration of ENERGY STAR-qualified computer monitors has been estimated at approximately 95 percent of total units shipped. By raising the bar, EPA is taking advantage of new technology and encouraging further energy-efficiency progress for products sold in the United States and around the world.
As part of an existing agreement, the European Union will also update its specifications to reflect this revision to ENERGY STAR. This modification is EPA’s first effort to coordinate an ENERGY STAR specification revision with the European Commission under the context of the agreement. The success of this revision process has set a positive precedent for additional specification updates starting or underway for printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines, computers and other office equipment.
The EPA also launched an Energy Star label for external power adapters – devices that convert AC power from a wall outlet into DC power used to power electronics. The move affects cell phones, digital cameras, answering machines, camcorders, and countless other similar equipment.
More efficient adapters have the potential to save more than 5 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy per year and prevent the release of more than 4 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions the equivalent of taking 800,000 cars off the road.
Adaptors tend to be very inefficient and account for about 6% of the US electric bill. On average, Energy Star-qualified power adapters will be 35% more efficient.
At the current rate of sales these appliances could account for almost 30% of a typical home’s electricity bill by 2010.
Companies working with EPA include Phihong, Lite On, and Bias Power, adapter manufacturers that supply over 22% of the current power supply market. EPA is also working with Hewlett-Packard, Samsung Telecommunications America and Panasonic.
Loading...