The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the midst of updating many ENERGY STAR specifications. Here is the status of a few key categories:
Televisions
The effective date of Version 5.3 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Televisions is September 30, 2011. Version 5.3 was finalized on January 24, 2011. These requirements establish challenging On Mode power consumption levels, take steps to ensure a TV is viewed in the mode in which it qualified for ENERGY STAR, and curb energy associated with downloading program guide data.
In light of efforts to develop a test method for televisions that implement Automatic Brightness Control (ABC), an energy-savings feature, EPA delayed the release of the Draft 2 Version 6.0 Televisions specification until Fall 2011, with the aim of finalizing the specification by the end of 2011 and having it take effect in Fall 2012.
For ABC, EPA is factoring into the test method the findings from the Consumer Electronic Association’s study of average room illuminance levels in consumer homes. Additionally, EPA is harmonizing its ENERGY STAR television testing requirements with those under development by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Computers
The current ENERGY STAR requirement for computers is Version 5.2.
The ENERGY STAR specification for computers is currently under revision. EPA is kicking off the dataset assembly effort for development of the ENERGY STAR Version 6.0 Computer Specification. For consideration, data must be forwarded to computers@energystar.gov using the appropriate form by Wednesday, September 14, 2011.
Displays
The current ENERGY STAR requirement for displays is Version 5.1.
The ENERGY STAR displays product specification is currently under revision. EPA hosted a webinar on June 22, 2011 to discuss proposed changes to the test method and receive comments on applying IEC 62087 to test all display products. Incorporating stakeholder feedback, EPA released a revised test method, and accompanying documents, for Draft 1 of the Version 6.0 ENERGY STAR Display Product Specification.
EPA is now considering all test data and comments on the proposed edits in the Draft 1 specification and test method in its analysis for Draft 2. EPA will also propose performance levels for all product types/sizes in Draft 2.
Imaging Equipment
The current ENERGY STAR requirement for imaging equipment is Version 1.1.
The ENERGY STAR specification for imaging equipment is currently under revision. The revised test method is Version 2.0.
There are many other revisions to existing specifications as well as new product specifications in development.
More about ENERGY STAR testing and certification.