Energy efficiency at the desk

Energy efficiency at the desk
New energy performance standards for computers, monitors and laptops are set to save New Zealand over $260 million dollars over the next twelve years.

The standards, which came into force on 1 October, set minimum efficiency levels that must be met before these products are allowed to be imported or manufactured for sale in New Zealand.

Monitors will now also display an energy rating label, like those already seen on TVs and whiteware, where more stars mean greater energy efficiency. Choosing a monitor model with a high star rating means consumers save money on running costs.

The standards were developed jointly by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and the Australian Government under the Trans-Tasman Equipment Energy Efficiency programme.

EECA’s Products general manager Terry Collins says many people don't realise how much energy computers can use, with home and office computers accounting for around 3% of total electricity demand in New Zealand in 2012.

“With growth in computer, laptops and monitors in New Zealand expected to continue, introducing these standards is forecast to save over $260 million in electricity over the next twelve years.”

It is not anticipated that the standards will impact the functionality of computers, laptops or monitors. Rather, it is expected that power supply efficiency and energy management systems will improve in order to meet the required standards.

The standards do not apply to hand-held computing devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) or palmtop computers, smart phones, game consoles, hand-held gaming devices, thin clients, blade personal computers (blade PCs), slate computers, workstations, mobile workstations, category D – high end computers, or computer servers that are not small-scale servers.

Note to Editors:
EECA uses a range of regulatory and voluntary measures to improve the energy efficiency of the products we buy in New Zealand:
• Minimum energy performance standards (MEPS)
Energy efficiency requirements are set out under the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002. Products subject to MEPS are required to achieve minimum standards of energy efficiency in order to be sold in New Zealand.

• Energy rating labels
Energy rating labels are displayed on a variety of consumer electronics, providing information on the product’s energy performance. Energy rating labels shows a star rating out of six or ten (with more stars meaning the more energy efficient a product is), and an estimated annual energy consumption figure in kilowatt hours (kWh).

• ENERGY STAR
A signifier of ‘best in class’, the blue ENERGY STAR mark is awarded to the most energy efficient products in their category (typically around the top 25% most efficient).

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is the Crown agency that encourages, supports, and promotes energy efficiency, energy conservation, and the use of renewable energy in New Zealand. EECA provides information to households through ENERGYWISETM www.energywise.govt.nz and to businesses through EECA BUSINESSTM www.eecabusiness.govt.nz

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