January 10, 2005—Effective January 1, 2005, computer monitors must meet more energy-efficient requirements to qualify for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 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.
Approximately 95 percent of computers monitors sold today meet the ENERGY STAR specification that has been in effect since July 1999. 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 EU under the context of the agreement.
EPA says that additional specification updates are underway for printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines, computers, and other office equipment. For more information on ENERGY STAR, visit EPA.
