If you are wondering what exactly the Energy Star certificate is and what it is for, you are in the right place. This is a complete guide that tells you everything about this rating. Although it is true that it has been applied for many years to different electrical devices, including desktop computers and laptops , now is the time to clear all your doubts with us.
Index of contents
- What is the Energy Star certificate and what is it for?
- Energy Star comes to the world of computing
- What are the specifications of the Energy Star certificate
- computers
- Servers
- Home appliances
- Heating and cooling systems
- Consumer electronics
- imaging team
- Lightning
- building construction
- other constructions
- Energy Star and the need to improve energy efficiency
What is the Energy Star certificate and what is it for?
Energy Star is a US certificate of origin developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) . Its main mission is to promote energy efficiency in electronic appliances and devices. Despite originating in the United States, some aspects of this certificate have been applied in other countries, such as Canada, Japan, Taiwan, and Switzerland . In the European Union, the Energy Star program had some influence until the agreement expired in 2018, after more than 15 years of collaboration.
To attend the birth of the Energy Star program it is necessary to go back to the year 1992 . It is at the beginning of the nineties when John S. Hoffman gave the first impetus to the initiative. The original idea was to label those products that bet on low energy consumption and greater efficiency in resource management. Therefore, it is a voluntary program whose main objective is to reduce the impact of consumer technology and other devices on the environment.
Energy Star comes to the world of computing
Surely, when you see the logo of the Energy Star program , you have quickly remembered one of your computers from the past. Or maybe you have thought about one of the monitors you bought. And it is that, although at present it has spread through a great diversity of devices, computer products were the first to receive the certification . It wasn’t until 1995 that other electrical systems, such as heating and cooling appliances, were included.
Today, the categories in which the program and labeling are developed are very diverse. This is demonstrated when reviewing their areas of action.
What are the specifications of the Energy Star certificate
Energy Star certifications are available in various industries. The specifications that grant this distinctive vary for each type of electrical appliance or construction. Next, we review the most prominent ones.
computers
They were the first products to receive this specification. Since the advent of Energy Star 4.0 on July 20, 2007, the requirements have become more stringent. Existing equipment designs up to that date could no longer use the mark unless they were re-qualified. The latest specification is 8.0, which came into force on October 15, 2020.
Servers
On May 15, 2009 , the first version of the server specification was released . Energy Star version 3.0 for enterprise servers became effective on June 17, 2019.
Home appliances
Home appliances are another range of products that can be certified with Energy Star. And the reduction in consumption is remarkable. For example, in early 2008, certified refrigerators increased electricity savings by 20% over the minimum standard. Likewise, specific regulations are currently being developed for the durability and useful life of the device . In this way, early returns or substitutions are avoided, minimizing the amount of waste generated.
Heating and cooling systems
This specification includes heat pumps, boilers, air conditioning systems, and furnaces . Special emphasis is placed on air and duct sealing. It is estimated that these devices are 10% more efficient than those that are not certified.
Consumer electronics
This includes televisions, which with the specification use 30% less energy, and also other electronic devices that are used on a day-to-day basis. Without going any further, this category has certificates for telephones, battery chargers, VCRs and external power adapters.
imaging team
Energy Star program requirements in this category focus on product families such as electrophotographic (EP) printers, inkjet printers , photocopiers, fax machines, and more.
Lightning
Energy Star certification is available on lighting products, such as light bulbs . You should know that it is only granted to those that meet strict criteria of efficiency, quality and durability . According to official references, Energy Star qualified fluorescent lighting has been found to use 75% less energy and last up to ten times longer than regular incandescent lights.
building construction
The construction of new residential buildings , such as blocks of flats or houses, has its own specification of Energy Star. It seems that certified homes are up to 10% more efficient than those that have not achieved the quality label.
other constructions
The Energy Star program has systems for rating the energy performance of specific buildings. The requirements depend on the final use of the facilities. Here are some examples of industrial facilities that qualify for the Energy Star energy efficiency certificate.
- automobile assembly plants
- cement plants
- Container glass manufacturing
- Manufacture of flat glass
- Fruit juice processing plants
- Oil refineries
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing plants
Energy Star and the need to improve energy efficiency
The fact that large companies are striving to certify their products with the Energy Star label is a big step towards greater energy efficiency. However, we can all contribute to reducing consumption at home and at work . Take a look at the article How much money do you really save with an efficient power supply? and How to improve the autonomy of the laptop . They give good advice to achieve greater energy efficiency on a day-to-day basis.
And you, have you had products certified with the Energy Star label? Do you remember what they were? Leave your opinion in the comments. The Professional Review community awaits you!
