The final draft specification of the Energy Star Computer Specification 6.1 was released by the U.S. EPA (operators of the US Energy Star program). The focus of the 6.1 specification versus the 6.0 specification is the inclusion of slates, tablets, and two-in-one notebook computers. “Slates” refers to app based tablets such as the Apple iPAD and Android tablets. There has been significant pressure from purchasers to develop a specification for these products given their increasing use within the work place. The Computer 6.0 specification came into effect on June 2, 2014, but does not include these devices in scope.
The Energy Star program operators were trying to release the 6.1 specification for the same June 2nd effective date as the 6.0 specification; however, challenges with clearly defining and differentiating between the different types of computer products on the market and with identifying the appropriate energy efficiency thresholds and measurement tests for each type of computer has caused a couple months of delays. Energy Star is an important marketing tool for computer manufacturers, especially for sales to institutional purchasers. There was significant feedback and lobbying by manufacturers to ensure the new product types and test methods fit with their new computer and tablet models.
A summary of changes made to the 6.1 specification based on stakeholder feedback is provided in the cover letter to the final draft 6.1 specification:
The approach outlined in this final draft reflects extensive engagement with a wide range of stakeholders over the past several months. Changes of note include:
- EPA has defined Portable All-In-One Computers but no longer includes these products under the Integrated Desktop Computer category as was previously proposed. Further, Portable-All-In-One Computers are now in scope.
- Clarification has been provided regarding diagonal screen size for both the Slate/Tablet and Portable All-In-One Computer definitions to more clearly separate these two products types that share a similar form factor but have different use cases.
- Portable All-In-One Computer requirements have been added in Table 2 of the power management requirements (Section 3.3), and in the energy criteria (Section 3.6).
- EPA has included guidance on future consideration for battery charging efficiency in Slates/Tablets in Version 7.0.
- Based on stakeholder feedback, DOE has changed the display brightness requirement for Slates/Tablets from 200 cd/m2 to 150 cd/m2.
Slates and Tablets
The U.S. EPA had originally intended to use the battery charging standard (BCS) for evaluating tablets and slates; but given that the BCS program is being discontinued, the EPA proposed using the notebook test methods and energy consumption levels to assess the tablet/slate products. In most cases, the slates/tablets will need to meet the lowest total energy consumption (TEC) specified for notebooks (category 0).
The new specification defines slates and tables as:
4) Slate/Tablet: A computing device designed for portability that meets all of the following criteria:
a) Includes an integrated display with a diagonal size greater than 6.5 inches and less than 17.4 inches;
b) Lacking an integrated, physical attached keyboard in its as-shipped configuration;
c) Includes and primarily relies on touchscreen input; (with optional keyboard);
d) Includes and primarily relies on a wireless network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi, 3G, etc.); and
e) Includes and is primarily powered by an internal battery (with connection to the mains for battery charging, not primary powering of the device).
Slate/tablet computers must support a “Display Sleep Mode” but are not required to have “System Sleep Mode”, “Wake on LAN”, or “Wake Management” functionality that is required for most other types of computers. Slates and tablets generally have a very low power long idle mode that is intended to minimize energy consumption and maximize batter life when the product is not being used. Section 3.6 of the 6.1 specification provides the technical energy consumption requirements for slates/tablets and portable all-in-one computers. In general, slates/tablets must meet the energy consumption requirements specified for notebook computers in section 3.5 and portable all-in-one computers must meet the energy consumptions requirements specified for integrated desktop computers. Please see section 3.6 of the specification document for further details – the link to the document is provided below.
Energy Star specifications are usually set so that only the top tier of products on the market qualify for Energy Star; however, it will be difficult to precisely anticipate how this will play out for slates and tablets. The U.S. EPA has stated that “EPA intends to further evaluate Slate/Tablet product data to inform the development of future Slate/Tablet energy consumption requirements in Version 7.0.” and “EPA has included a permanent note in this section stating that it intends to create independent Slate/Tablet requirements in Version 7.0 if the data from the Version 6.1 certification process can support sufficient differentiation of these products. EPA will also monitor other sources of product energy performance, such as CEC battery charger data, to help inform future Version 7.0 development.”
Products already included in the 6.0 Specification
The 6.1 specification does not change any of the definitions or energy efficiency requirements for the desktop, notebook and other computers that were already within the scope of the 6.0 specification.
Additional Requirements of Energy Star
The Energy Star specification also requires that products meet certain other design for environment provisions such as substance restrictions and appropriate design for recyclability. These requirements were included in the Energy Star partner commitments for the 6.0 specification and are expected to carry forward to the 6.1 specification.
Resources
The Computer Specification 6.1 final draft is available from the U.S. EPA Energy Star website.