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A Better Image with Less Energy

A typical home office with a fax, printer, copier and scanner is projected to save more than $300 over the life of the products thanks to new Energy Star specifications for imaging equipment. For the first time, the specifications cover energy use when the product is in use as well as in standby.

"We are pleased to bring increased energy efficiency to this set of everyday products," said William Wehrum, acting assistant administrator for Air and Radiation. "We applaud the industry for their commitment to Energy Star and their leadership in making these products more efficient."

The new specifications were developed because market research showed that technology had evolved in response to the Energy Star program, raising new opportunities to improve efficiency. EPA is challenging manufacturers to continue to make progress in developing energy efficient products for consumers. On average, Energy Star qualifying imaging equipment will be 30 percent more efficient than conventional models. The revisions to the will save consumers more than $3 billion over the next five years and avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the emissions of more than four million cars.

Imaging equipment uses a sizable amount of energy across the United States. This year, approximately 275 million imaging equipment products will consume more than $3.6 billion in energy each year, accounting for two percent of total electricity expenditures.

Under the updated specifications, only the most energy-efficient of today's imaging products will earn the Energy Star, representing the top of their class. These new specifications are scheduled to go into effect on April 1, 2007, pending adoption by the European Commission. EPA first allowed imaging equipment to earn the Energy Star in 1993.

Products that have earned the Energy Star save energy and prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $12 billion on their energy bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 23 million vehicles.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency