Energy efficiency guidelines modified
for new computers
Washington, DC— The United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) announced new Energy Star specifications
for computers and related equipment. These new modifications are
also expected to prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to the annual
emissions of 2.7 million cars.
Under the new specifications, only the most energy-efficient
computer related equipment will earn the Energy Star label, representing
the top of their class.
The new requirements include improved efficiency
across all modes of a computer's operation, and require use of highly
efficient internal and external power supplies. The new specifications
go into effect on July 20, 2007.
Government agencies buying Energy Star will also
garner big savings. If the government sector buys only computers
that meet the new Energy Star requirements, this sector will save
nearly 1.4 billion kWh and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2
billion pounds each year.
On average, Energy Star qualifying computer equipment
will be 65 percent more efficient than conventional models.
Computers were the first product to qualify for
EPA's Energy Star in 1992. EPA and computer makers have worked together
on improving computer energy efficiency ever since. The United States
now has more 180 million computers in use; they consume nearly 58
billion kWh per year, or about 2 percent of annual electricity consumption.
For additional information about the final Energy
Star specification for computers, visit
www.energystar.gov. |
