EU and USA reinforce office energy-efficiency standards
June 22, 2009
The European Commission and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have agreed to lay down ambitious new specifications for computers, copiers and printers under the EU–US Energy Star Programme.
The new criteria will be effective from 1 July, and are expected to trigger electricity savings during the next four to six years in the EU, which will be comparable to the annual electricity consumption of Ireland.
Energy Star is part of the EU's strategy to manage energy demand, contribute to the security of energy supply and mitigate climate change.
The new technical specifications for computers and imaging equipment, such as printers, copiers and fax machines, were developed together with Member States, the EPA and interested parties from around the world.
The new criteria for computers and imaging equipment are expected to save 18 TWh and 4 TWh, respectively, in the EU alone due to purchases over the next 3 years. The savings will be achieved over the four- to six-year lifetime of the products.
Criteria for further office equipment categories will soon be added to the Energy Star programme, including servers and data storage equipment.
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