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EPA designated large network equipment as a new category to help IT and data center operators select products that will save them money on their energy bills, assist manufacturers of efficient equipment in increasing sales, and drive down the energy use of data centers and server closets – estimated to be more than 2% of total U.S. electricity consumption.
The ENERGY STAR Large Network Equipment Specification enhances the suite of ENERGY STAR data center specifications which currently includes Computer Servers, Data Center Storage, and Uninterruptible Power Supply specifications – all of which MET Labs is EPA recognized to test and/or certify for.
In its LNE letter to manufacturers, EPA further notes that the spec:
- Allows for certification of a wide range of enterprise grade switches and routers not covered in the ENERGY STAR Small Network Equipment Specification
- Introduces an approach to product families for modular products that allows both homogenous and heterogeneous module configurations to be certified
- Includes requirements focused on power supplies, energy efficiency features, and standard performance data measurement and output
This final specification includes a modest change in scope regarding products with numerous high speed ports and finalizes the revisions to the test method discussed during EPA’s November 16 webinar.
Next Steps:
Manufacturers new to the ENERGY STAR program should submit a Partnership Agreement to join@energystar.gov to initiate the application process for the Large Network Equipment program.
Existing partners should Contact MET to schedule testing and certification. Don’t delay – available lab time is expected to fill early.
MET Labs is your efficient one-stop-shop for energy efficiency approvals, including ENERGY STAR, Natural Resources Canada, California Energy Commission, EU Directives, and U.S. Department of Energy requirements.