Computers and monitors

To improve the energy efficiency of computers, monitors and laptops, New Zealand is considering introducing minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for these products plus energy rating labels for monitors.

The MEPS are also being considered for introduction in Australia in late 2012 (subject to final approval by the Australian Government).

Status of proposed standards

EECA recently consulted to gather public views on a proposal to introduce MEPS (and energy rating labels for monitors) in New Zealand. The feedback received will be taken into account before any final decisions are made on whether to adopt the proposal.

The proposal aims to increase the efficiency of computers, notebooks and monitors by:

• providing better consumer information to inform energy choices
• encouraging industry to continually improve the energy efficiency of their products, and
• preventing poorly performing products from entering the market.

The proposed standards are designed so that a wide range of computers, monitors and laptops would still be available, but would require less energy to perform the same function. Some features need more power (like graphics) - extra power allowances are built in to the proposed standards to account for these features.

>> Download the discussion document on proposed standards for computers.

Note: submissions on this discussion document closed on 15 November 2011.

For more information, please email regs@eeca.govt.nz.

Why consider standards for computers?

Computer ownership in New Zealand continues to grow and, as a result, their energy consumption is becoming more important to the economy. Efficient technology is widely available globally but less so in our market, so there is significant potential for energy performance improvements in this product category.

In 2010, home computers and office ICT accounted for around 3% of New Zealand's total electricity use - more than the energy use of a city the size of Hamilton.

Improved efficiency would give consumers a more efficient range of products to choose from, saving on running costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the life of the products.

More information

The proposed standards for computers are part of EECA's ongoing work programme for improving product efficiency - find out more about proposed product standards and strategies.

The blue ENERGY STAR mark can be found on efficient computers, monitors and laptops - find out more about the ENERGY STAR programme.