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Next Generation of Energy Star Computers Offers Over $1 Billion in Energy Savings

Release Date: 11/06/2007
Contact Information: Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355 / [email protected]

(Washington, D.C. - Nov. 6, 2007) Can surfing the web help protect the environment and save you money? Yes, and it is as simple as buying one of the new Energy Star qualified computer products. With over 500 newly qualified product models already on the shelves, there are many options for home and work that will reduce your energy bill and greenhouse gas emissions.

"As the driver of America's technology revolution, the innovative spirit of the computer industry is now powering our energy revolution," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "Thanks to the new Energy Star specifications for computers, today's consumers can be the link to a cleaner tomorrow."

Since the stringent new requirements for Energy Star computers became effective in July, more than 35 manufacturers have demonstrated their commitment to fight climate change by offering products that save energy. These newly qualified computers offer significant savings opportunities at home and in businesses. In fact, if every U.S. household and business replaced old computers with new Energy Star qualified models, we would save more than $1.8 billion in energy costs over the next five years and avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to more than 2.7 million cars.

The new specification establishes efficiency requirements for all modes of operation, which ensures energy savings when a computer is active and running basic applications, as well as when it is on stand-by. Newly qualified computers must also include an internal power supply that is at least 80 percent efficient. Under the new specification, only the most energy-efficient computer equipment, including desktop and notebook (or laptop) computers, game consoles, integrated computer systems, desktop-derived servers and workstations, can earn the Energy Star label.

When businesses and other organizations purchase computers in large numbers, the benefits stack up. For every 100 computers a business replaces with computers meeting the new Energy Star specification, it will save $175 per year on energy bills and more than $670 over the lifetime of the computers.

It will also be easier for consumers and businesses to find qualified computers and related equipment. Under the new specification, manufacturers must display the Energy Star label on the product and its packaging, in product literature, and on Web sites to clearly indicate which products meet the new specification. Qualified product listings can also be found on Energy Star's Web site at: http://www.energystar.gov/find_a_product and click on "Computers"

Computers were the first product to qualify for EPA's Energy Star label in 1992. The United States now has more than 180 million computers in use that consume nearly 58 billion kWh per year or about two percent of the nation's annual electricity consumption.

Energy Star was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. The US Department of Energy joined EPA in this effort and today, the Energy Star label can be found on more than 50 different kinds of products. Products that have earned the Energy Star designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government. For more information: http://www.energystar.gov