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Energy Star sets standards for computer servers

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finally unveiled new Energy Star energy efficiency standards for computer servers.

The measures, which only cover some servers, require products to use efficient power supplies that generate less waste heat, demonstrate improved power quality and include advanced power management features.

Servers carrying the Energy Star label will also have to be able to measure their real-time power use, processor utilization, and air temperature. Manufacturers will also have to supply purchasers with an information sheet detailing the server’s energy performance and efficiency.

According to the EPA, servers meeting the Energy Star requirements will be 30% more energy efficient that standard servers. If all servers in the US met the standard, it would save $800 million a year in energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equivalent to more than one million cars.

The new specifications are effective immediately and the EPA is inviting server suppliers to sign up to the Energy Star programme.

The EPA has also announced new requirements for commercial griddles and ovens to improve their efficiency by 10-20%.
Commercial griddles and ovens that qualify for the Energy Star label will have to meet minimum cooking efficiency and maximum idle energy rates.

Using Energy Star labelled griddles could save businesses $175-190 per year, depending on whether gas or electric, while a more energy efficient electric oven could save $190 a year and an improved gas over as much as $360.

For further information:
www.epa.gov/
www.energystar.gov/datacenters
yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/3829e1ce26d173e7852575ba004d9518!OpenDocument

26 May 2009

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