Surely, many computer owners when they turned on the device saw the logo of the Energy Star program on the monitor. But not everyone thinks about what it symbolizes by itself. Therefore, it is worthwhile to look separately at some Energy Star standards. What kind of program this will be, if you pay attention to the basic requirements for various devices. And this applies not only to computer technology and peripherals. The range of issues related to the main areas of the program is much wider.
Energy Star: what is this program?
This program was originally adopted in the United States in 1992. And then, and now it is believed that Energy Star is a single international standard for energy efficiency of equipment or devices.
At the same time, at the beginning of the program, it was assumed that any device with such a logo uses the so-called economical mode of operation, in which, first of all, energy consumption is reduced by 20-30% compared to conventional models (now this figure ranges from 40 -65%).
However, the program also extends to some other aspects, and not just energy saving. For example, since 1995, voluntary certification according to Energy Star standards has been expanded to heating and lighting systems, then a reward system was introduced for achievements in the field of energy conservation and the use of renewable energy sources.
The main directions of the program
Now another look at the Energy Star standard. What kind of program this is, in general terms, is clear. Let us dwell on some additional aspects.
Among all that the program implies today, there are several most important areas:
- reduction of energy consumption by devices of any type;
- restriction of use in production of heavy metals or toxic substances;
- reduced use of substances harmful to human health and the environment;
- reduction in the consumption of natural resources due to the introduction of recycling;
- reduction of waste and emissions;
- increase the service life of equipment due to its modernization.
If you look at some points, as an example, we can cite new models of rechargeable batteries and batteries that have a longer service life. In computer technology, you can look at energy-saving monitors, as well as devices with an automatic shutdown mode after a certain period of inactivity (the same sleep mode of Windows 10).
Characteristics and requirements
Since it is precisely computer topics that are being considered now, let us dwell on some requirements for such devices in more detail. As an example, take printers, scanners, and copiers.
Here, the Energy Star standard provides for automatic reduction of energy consumption 15 minutes after the last print or copy, shutdown 30 minutes after the end of the process (only for models with copy function), switch to standby mode after 30 minutes and use duplex printing as a priority .
Using the program in computer technology
In general, Energy Star interacts with computer systems quite closely. Probably, there is no need to explain that almost all operating systems have a sleep or hibernation mode, which is turned on by default.
In addition, there are several power schemes in the same Windows systems. The factory setting is set to balanced mode, but you can easily set the reduced power consumption.
As for the standard for computers, it provides energy consumption of not more than 200 W, transition to economy mode after 15 minutes with recovery within 45 seconds, power consumption when disconnecting no more than 10 W after 30 minutes with recovery within 75 seconds. The latter settings apply to standby mode.
Windows 10 Hibernation and Energy Star Communication
In Windows 10 and below, you can enter the corresponding section either through the options menu, or through the “Control Panel”, or through the right-click menu on the battery status icon (for laptops) with a choice of the section name line.
Here you can change many options to choose from, including setting the screen brightness, the time to go to sleep, turning off the power or drives, working with the cover, etc. This approach becomes a very effective way to reduce energy consumption, because it’s hard to imagine that a person even if his work involves the use of computer equipment, he will sit all day in front of the monitor, not getting up and not going anywhere. In older systems, for such purposes, the transition to screensaver mode was used, but now all settings are made exclusively through the proposed power schemes.
Instead of an afterword
These are the main points of the Energy Star standard. Probably, many have already understood what kind of program this is, as well as the fact that it applies not only to computer devices. If you characterize the directions of its action in general terms, there is not only savings, but also many issues related to environmental protection, the prevention of the harmful effects of any type of technology on nature and human health. Well, the adoption of these standards is voluntary, since the program is initially positioned in that perspective. But, if you look at the problems of energy conservation and environmental protection, it is difficult to imagine that in the near foreseeable future, equipment that is not certified according to this or any other similar standard will be in demand. That is why almost all manufacturers consider obtaining such a certificate a matter of honor.