Press Release: Energy Star: Commission and the US reinforce the energy efficiency standards for office equipment

On 17 June 2009 the European Commission and the US Environmental Protection Agency agreed to make new ambitious specifications for computers, copiers and printers under the EU-US Energy Star Programme. The new criteria will be effective from 1 July 2009, and are expected to trigger 22 TWh electricity savings during the next four to six years in the EU which is comparable to the annual electrictiy consumption of Ireland. ENERGY STAR is part of the EU's strategy to better manage energy demand, contribute to security of energy supply and mitigate climate change.