Sunday, July 27, 2008

Energy Star Program

US EPA Energy Star LogoThe Energy Star Program from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy is designed to encourage energy efficient products and practices. The program was started in 1992 by the US EPA as a voluntary labeling program for computers and monitors. Other office equipment was added in 1995. The program was expanded in 1996, with the US Department of Energy. It now covers major appliances, office equipment, lighting, home electronics, new homes, commercial and industrial buildings.

As well as an extensive web site, there are ENERGY STAR Podcasts.

Products Covered
  1. Appliances
  2. Heating & Cooling
  3. Home Envelope
  4. Home Electronics
  5. Office Equipment
  6. Lighting
  7. Other Commercial Products
New Product Specifications in Development

New Product Specifications are in development include:
  1. enterprise servers.
  2. solid state lighting luminaires (led lights)
  3. residential water heaters
  4. commercial griddles
  5. laboratory grade refrigerators and freezers
Revisions have also been made to products including:
  1. Computers
  2. Computer monitors
  3. External power adapters
  4. TVs
  5. set-top boxes
  6. VCRs
  7. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)
  8. residential light fixtures
  9. Imaging equipment
  10. programmable thermostats
  11. clothes washers
  12. residential ventilating fans
  13. windows, doors and skylights
  14. Furnaces
  15. commercial solid door refrigerators and freezers
Office Equipment

It should be noted that many of the products listed under "Office Equipment" are also used in the home:
  1. Computers
  2. Notebook Computers/Tablet PCs
  3. Monitors
  4. External Power Adapters
  5. Printer, Scanners, and All-in-Ones
Computers

Computers must meet energy use guidelines in: standby, active, and sleep modes. Computers must also have an efficient internal power supply. Power management features are required for a low-power “sleep mode” after a designated period of inactivity.

Energy Star standards are volintary, but have been made mandatory for some US Government purchasing:
Monitors

Computer monitors requirements include On, Sleep, and Off Modes :
  • On Mode: the maximum allowed power according to resolution.
  • Sleep Mode: 2 watts or less.
  • Off Mode: 1 watt or less.


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