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ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program devoted to helping businesses
and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR provides government agencies
and other business partners a proven energy management strategy to save energy and money while demonstrating environmental
leadership. Utilizing ENERGY STAR qualified equipment is not only a commitment to taxpayers but to the environment
as well.
The international ENERGY STAR symbol is a simple way for consumers to
identify products that are among the most energy-efficient on the market. Only manufacturers and retailers whose
products meet the ENERGY STAR criteria can label their products with this symbol. Choosing an ENERGY STAR-labelled
product over a conventional model could save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs.
But there is more to ENERGY STAR than saving money. The use of energy-efficient products can also help save the
environment. In many parts of Canada, fossil fuels are often burned to produce electricity. The burning of fossil
fuels is a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions - a leading cause of climate change - and other pollutants
that contribute to urban smog and acid rain. When you use less energy by selecting energy-efficient products,
less electricity needs to be produced. Thus you are reducing GHG emissions and promoting cleaner air as well.
ENERGY STAR® - Office Equipment
Office equipment is the fastest-growing use of electricity in commercial buildings in the United
States and Canada, accounting for 7% of all commercial-sector power consumption. Power management features, which allow
inactive office equipment to enter low-power sleep modes, are the key energy saving feature of ENERGY STAR qualified
computers, monitors, printers, copiers, and fax machines. This section provides information about the potential
energy savings for different office equipment that has earned the ENERGY STAR. It also provides power management
tips and resources.
Most computers and other office equipment sold today have the ability to switch into "sleep" or low-power mode if
it is not being used. The energy savings can be significant, especially for large organizations. To qualify for the
ENERGY STAR® symbol, all office equipment must meet strict guidelines and be shipped from the factory with the
power-management capabilities fully activated. It is recommended, however, that the user verify that the
power-management features are enabled.
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Computers and Laptops
An ENERGY STAR qualified computer uses 70% less electricity than computers without enabled power management features.
If left inactive, ENERGY STAR qualified computers enter a low-power mode and use two watts or less.
New chip technologies make power management features more reliable, dependable, and user-friendly than even a
few years ago.
Monitors
An ENERGY STAR qualified computer monitor uses up to 50% less electricity than standard models.
Computer monitors must meet stringent requirements in On, Sleep, and Off Modes in order to earn the ENERGY STAR.
In On Mode, the maximum allowed power varies based on the monitor's resolution.
In Sleep Mode, models must consume two watts or less.
In Off Mode, models must consume one watt or less.
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Did You Know*
In 2004 alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy to power 24 million homes and
avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 20 million cars - all while saving $10 billion.
Over its lifetime, ENERGY STAR qualified equipment in a single home office can save enough electricity
to light an entire home for more than 4 years.
Spending a large portion of time in low-power mode not only saves energy, but helps equipment run
cooler and last longer.
Organizations that use ENERGY STAR enabled office equipment may realize additional savings on air
conditioning and maintenance.
*From the ENERGY STAR web site.
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Printers
The new ENERGY STAR specification for imaging equipment (including printers, copiers, fax machines,
multi-function devices, scanners, and mail machines) will go into effect in 2007. This will lead to the development
of imaging equipment that’s 30% more energy efficient than conventional products.
ENERGY STAR qualified printers automatically enter a low-power “sleep” mode after a period of
inactivity. Separate specifications are available for stand-alone printer models depending on paper handling size
and color capabilities.
Many ENERGY STAR qualified machines can print double-sided pages, reducing paper use and costs.
USING POWER MANAGEMENT TOOLS
ENERGY STAR Power Management features — standard in Windows and Macintosh operating systems — place inactive
monitors and computers (central processing unit, hard drive, etc.) into a low-power sleep mode. A simple touch of the mouse
or keyboard “wakes” the computer and monitor in seconds.
REDUCING ENERGY WASTE IN THE OFFICE
There are a number of other activities that your company can implement to reduce energy waste from electronics:
Establish an Energy Reduction Plan for your electronic equipment within your facility.
Purchase only ENERGY STAR qualified electronic equipment.
Make sure your power management features are turned on! Some ENERGY STAR monitors have the power management feature turned off by the vendors.
Use your network to automate power saving features on all electronic equipment where feasible.
Use monitor “Sleep” software to power down monitors.
Establish a Power off policy for all electronic equipment.
Configure all network equipment to power save when not in use (e.g., printers, faxes, copiers, etc.)
Educate management and employees on the benefits to be derived from power management.
Source: Federal Electronics Challenge, May 26, 2006
To find out more about ENERGY STAR or about the tools mentioned here, please visit the ENERGY STAR web site
at: http://www.energystar.gov.
ENERGY-INTENSIVE CALCULATOR
Desktop CPU Calculator
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