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EPA Issues New Requirements for Energy Star Computer Monitors, Picture Frames

Release Date: 03/30/2009
Contact Information: Enesta Jones, 202-564-4355 / 7873 / [email protected]

(Washington, D.C. – March 30, 2009) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing new requirements for computer monitors, digital picture frames and other displays to earn the Energy Star label. On average, Energy Star qualified products will be 20 percent more energy efficient than conventional options.

If all displays sold in the United States meet this new specification, the energy savings would grow to about $1 billion each year and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from nearly 1.5 million vehicles.

To earn the label, the new specification includes a revision of existing requirements for computer monitors to a more stringent level, the fifth revision since products in this category have been eligible for the Energy Star label. EPA has also expanded the range of display products eligible for the label. In addition to computer monitors, digital picture frames and large commercial displays (up to 60 inches diagonal) can now qualify for the label when demonstrated to meet the energy efficiency requirements.

Digital picture frames offer an impressive opportunity for energy savings. It is estimated that 9.3 million digital picture frames were shipped in 2008 and by 2015 the number could more than double. Savings from digital picture frames represent about 10 percent of the total potential savings in this product area. Large displays are typically used in public and private settings such as restaurants, bars, hotels, clubs, museums, and educational settings, and outdoor environments in retail or transportation signage. Savings from large displays represent about 70 percent of the total potential savings in this product area.

The specification for displays less than 30 inches diagonal will be effective October 30, 2009. The specification for displays 30-60 inches diagonal will be effective on January 1, 2010.

More information on Energy Star: http://www.energystar.gov/

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