Energy Efficiency - Shopping For Green Computers With Energy Star

Computers have become seemingly ubiquitous inHow do I find Energy Star rated Computers?
today's society. We use them for both business andEnergy Star maintains an up to date list of computers
for entertainment purposes. When one takes thethat meet the latest specifications. When purchasing
global usage of computers today into consideration,your next machine it is always a good printable
its easy to understand why Energy Star revised theirreference:
specifications for computers in July 2007.- [
What did they change?If you'd prefer more of an interactive tool they also
In order to qualify for the new Energy Star ratingoffer a web based version of the same information
products must first meet more stringent energy useto help you find Energy Star qualified computers:
guidelines in three unique operating modes:-
- StandbyCurrently Available Energy Star Desktops
- Sleep ModeA number of manufacturers have already moved
- In Use/Activeforward and accepted their responsibilities by offering
According to Energy Star products must also includedesktop PCs that are compliant with the latest
a "more efficient internal power supply." They claimEnergy Star standards. Here is a short list of major
by "requiring efficiency savings across operatingmanufacturers that you may wish to consider:
modes, the new computer specification is expected- Acer
to save consumers and businesses more than $1.8- Apple
billion in energy costs over the next 5 years and- Dell
prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to the- Gateway
annual emissions of 2.7 million vehicles."Some of the new machines that are already on the
Are computer manufacturers willing to meet thesemarket today boast standby power usage as low as
new standards?1 Watt, sleep usage as low as 1.95 Watts and 27.63
As with any updated specification it will take time forWatts while In Use/Active.
computer manufacturers to revisit their productAlways remember saving energy helps prevent
offerings. This means that it's more important thanclimate change. Furthermore, computers are
ever before to look for the Energy Star label whenenvironmentally expensive items, it requires 530 lbs
purchasing a new computer. If the machine isn'tof fossil fuel, 58 lbs of chemicals and 1.5 tons of
Energy Star rated then at least check the powerwater to make a single desktop PC and monitor. By
supply rating. Some of the new "gaming" computers,making sure your next computer purchase is green
like the HP Blackbird 002 with its 1.1 KiloWatt powerone you are doing your part to fight global warming.
supply should be pulled from the market.