Energy Efficiency: Shopping for Green Computers with Energy Star
Computers have become seemingly ubiquitous in today’s society. We use them for both business and for entertainment purposes. When one takes the global usage of computers today into consideration, its easy to understand why Energy Star revised their specifications for computers in July 2007.
What did they change?
In order to qualify for the new Energy Star rating products must first meet more stringent energy use guidelines in three unique operating modes:
* Standby
* Sleep Mode
* In Use/Active
According to Energy Star products must also include a “more efficient internal power supply.” They claim by “requiring efficiency savings across operating modes, the new computer specification is expected to save consumers and businesses more than $1.8 billion in energy costs over the next 5 years and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to the annual emissions of 2.7 million vehicles.”
Are computer manufacturers willing to meet these new standards?
As with any updated specification it will take time for computer manufacturers to revisit their product offerings. This means that it’s more important than ever before to look for the Energy Star label when purchasing a new computer. If the machine isn’t Energy Star rated then at least check the power supply rating. Some of the new “gaming” computers, like the HP Blackbird 002 with its 1.1 KiloWatt power supply should be pulled from the market.
How do I find Energy Star rated Computers?
Energy Star maintains an up to date list of computers that meet the latest specifications. When purchasing your next machine it is always a good printable reference:
* http://www.energystar.gov/ia/products/prod_lists/computers_prod_list.xls
If you’d prefer more of an interactive tool they also offer a web based version of the same information to help you find Energy Star qualified computers
* http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.ShowProductGroup&pgw_code=CO
Currently Available Energy Star Desktops
A number of manufacturers have already moved forward and accepted their responsibilities by offering desktop PCs that are compliant with the latest Energy Star standards. Here is a short list of major manufacturers that you may wish to consider:
* Acer
* Apple
* Dell
* Gateway
Some of the new machines that are already on the market today boast standby power usage as low as 1 Watt, sleep usage as low as 1.95 Watts and 27.63 Watts while In Use/Active.
Always remember saving energy helps prevent climate change. Furthermore, computers are environmentally expensive items, it requires 530 lbs of fossil fuel, 58 lbs of chemicals and 1.5 tons of water to make a single desktop PC and monitor. By making sure your next computer purchase is green one you are doing your part to fight global warming.
This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 12th, 2007 at 6:42 am and is filed under Energy Efficiency. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
