Energy Star

Energy Star

Energy Star is a United States government program to promote energy efficient consumer products. It is well known for its logo appearing on many computer products and peripherals, though on many European-targeted products, TCO Certification, a combined energy usage and ergonomics rating from the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO), is used instead.


History

The Energy Star program was created in 1992 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in an attempt to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission by power plants. The program was developed by John S. Hoffman, inventor of the Green Programs at US EPA, and implemented by Cathy Zoi and Brian Johnson. The program was intended to be part of a series of voluntary programs, such as Green Lights and the Methane Programs, that would demonstrate the potential for profit in reducing greenhouse gases and facilitate further steps to reducing global warming gases.

It began as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy efficient products, and computer products were the first to be labeled. It has since expanded to major appliances, office equipment, lighting, home electronics, and more.[1] The label can also be found on some new homes and commercial and industrial buildings.

The EPA estimates that it saved about $12 billion in energy costs in 2005 alone.[2] Energy Star has been a driving force behind the more widespread use of LED traffic lights, efficient fluorescent lighting, power management systems for office equipment, and low standby energy use.


Specifications

A new Energy Star specification for desktop computers went into effect 20 July 2007.[3] The requirements are more stringent than the previous specification and existing equipment designs can no longer use the logo unless re-qualified. The power requirements are for 80% or greater AC power supply efficiency using the standards defined by 80 Plus Program. [4]


See also

One Watt Initiative

Power management

E-waste

Green energy

House Energy Rating (Australia)

European Union energy label



External links

Official Energy Star web site

Energy Star computer specifications

Energy Star Australia

Energy Star Canada

Energy Consumption Calculator

Energy Star entry at Ecolabelling.org