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Article:

Energy Smart

Switch to energy efficient equipment

Energy Rating Labels

An Energy Rating Label enables you to compare the energy efficiency of appliances on a fair and equitable basis. It also provides an incentive for manufacturers to improve the energy performance of appliances.

The Energy Rating Label has two sections, the star rating – which gives a quick comparative assessment of the model's energy efficiency and the annual energy consumption – which provides an estimate of the annual energy use of the appliance. An improvement of one star can mean significant savings of around 10%.

Using this information you can compare similar products, calculate running costs and choose more efficient appliances.  The Fast Facts Guide provides useful information on the labeling scheme, how it works and how it applies to different appliances, whitegoods and equipment.

Use the Energy Rating Search to locate and compare products, their cost savings and energy use.

ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR is an international standard for energy efficient electronic equipment. Products with ENERGY STAR compliance have "stand-by" or "sleep" mode, where energy consumption is lowered when the equipment is not in use.

You may have an ENERGY STAR compliant product, but check to make sure the energy saving mode is switched on. It's not standard protocol for manufacturers to enable this by default. For computing equipment, refer to the ENERGY STAR step-by-step guide or ask your IT or maintenance staff for help.

Stand-by or switch off?

Most appliances and equipment use power all the time, even when not in use. "Stand-by" power may be required to maintain a convenient "ready" state, but it may serve no useful function or run at an unnecessary level. For most equipment, 20-80% of total energy is used when standing by, waiting to be used.

For optimal energy savings, switch off electrical equipment rather than relying on "stand-by" mode or ENERGY STAR power saving functions.

Run a "Switch off" campaign in your workplace – create a desktop wallpaper image, send electronic reminders and/or stick reminder notes in conspicuous locations - see how much you can save.