Last week Energy Star, which is a joint program of the US Enviromental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy to help save energy and protect the environment, released a new set of guidelines for Energy Star certification for computers that went into effect July 20. These guidelines push for energy-efficient power supplies, efficient standby modes, inclusion of power management and provision of user education about these features.
It’s worth nothing that none of Apple’s computers meet the new requirements. Not a one. At least Dell has three models that do, and most of those that already comply are from Lenovo and Gateway. In total only 125 laptops and desktop models meet the new requirements at the moment.
Not to worry though. Manufacturers have until January to comply so that they can earn the Energy Star label for their computers. It’s just a bit disturbing that other manufacturers are on the ball about this, while Apple, with its recent green posturing, was caught with with its pants down.
If you’re at all interested in the details, get a spreadsheet of the compliant and non-compliant manufacturers here.
