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, 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 US 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.^* ENERGY STAR Milestones. Retrieved June 8, 2006. The label can also be found on some new homes and commercial and industrial buildings.

The EPA estimates that it saved about $10 billion in energy costs in 2004 alone ^* EPA press release, " $10 Billion Saved on Energy Bills". October 4, 2005. 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 is slated to apply starting July 1, 2007.^* PowerPulse.net, "New Energy Star Promoting New Specs at APEC and PPDC". March 20, 2006. Retrieved June 8, 2006. The requirements are more stringent than present specifications and existing equipment designs will no longer use the logo unless re-qualified. The power requirements are for 80% or greater AC power supply efficiency. The primary states that computers are in from a power management viewpoint are Idle (operating system running but no programs), Sleep (a condition where nothing is running but the computer can wake up fast and start) and Stand-by (this is the off condition where about 2 watts of power will be used).

See also

• Power management
• E-waste
• Green energy
• House Energy Rating (Australia)

References