Developing Energy Star 5.0

Have you ever wondered what goes into the development of the ENERGY STAR specifications and when the specifications change?  We did, so we did some research and here's what we found.

First, some background.  ENERGY STAR is the best recognized rating system for identifying computers, office equipment, electronics and home appliances for their energy consumption.  ENERGY STAR is a voluntary labelling program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).  The purpose of ENERGY STAR is to provide purchasers with information about products to enable them to select energy effecient equipment thereby saving money in energy costs and protecting the environment. 

Although the ENERGY STAR version 4.0 computer specification came into effect on July 20, 2007, the EPA is working with stakeholders on version 5.0.  So how do they decide when to change the specification?  According to the ENERGY STAR website (www.energystar.gov),  there are six priciples that determine whether or not the specification requires a review and update.  The six principles are:

1.  Significant energy savings can be realized on a national basis.

2.  Product performance can be maintained or enhanced with increased energy efficiency.

3.  Purchasers will recover their investment in increased energy efficiency within a reasonable time.

4.  Energy efficiency can be achieved with several technology options, at least one of which is non-proprietary.

5.  Product energy consumption and energy performance can be measured and verified with testing.

6.  Labelling would effectively differentiate products and be visible for purchasers.¹

Seeing these criteria we can see why computer technology would be a candidate for frequent revisions as technology develops rapidly and capability increases drastically in a short period of time.  

Given those principles, how is the specification reviewed?  The ENERGY STAR revisions are sent out for review to many stakeholders including government agencies, manufactures, retailers and others.  Through a series of meetings, conferences, document drafts and posted comments the ENERGY STAR specification is updated based on available technology and the input from the stakeholders mentioned above.  The impact on purchasers, manufacturers and, of course, the environment are considered.  You can follow the process and read the posted input from stakeholders on the website Computer Specification. 

Did you find this information useful or interesting?  Is there another topic you'd like us to investigate? Let us know at jessica (at) greenittools.com. 

Check out our Green IT Guide for Sustainable Business to get you started with saving money and the environment in your organization! 

References

1.  ENERGY STAR Website FAQs

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