The Energy Startm Computer Version 6.1 specification will take effect starting on September 10th, 2014.
The quick revision from Version 6.0 to 6.1 brings slates, tablets, portable all-in-one computers, and two-in-one notebook computers into scope of the Energy Star program. “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 didnot include these devices, so there was no way of recognizing the energy efficiency of these devices under the iconic Energy Star program.
During the develop of Version 6.1, there were several challenges with clearly defining and differentiating between the various types of computer products on the market and with identifying the appropriate energy efficiency thresholds and measurement tests for each type of computer. Energy Star is an important marketing tool for computer manufacturers, especially when selling products to institutional purchasers. There was significant feedback and emphasis from manufacturers to ensure the new product type definitons and test methods fit with emerging computer and tablet models.
A summary of changes from the 6.0 to 6.1 specification were discussed in an earlier blog post Final Draft of Energy Star Computer Specification 6.1 – June 2014
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 methodology was switched to 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 Version 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. Manufacturers should review section 3.6 of the specification for further details.
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.
Slates/Tablets Become Eligible for EPEAT Registry
With the addition of slates and tablets to Energy Star, these products also become eligible for the EPEATtm registry of environmentally preferable products. Many governments and other large organizations specify EPEAT registration as a mandatory requirement in their IT purchasing specifications and RFPs; therefore, EPEAT registration can be an important declaration for manufacturers and distributers.
The IEEE 1680.1 standard specifies the mandatory and optional requirements for listing a computer product on the EPEAT registry. Within this standard, Energy Star is a mandatory requirement, therefore tablets and slates have, in the past, been ineligible for EPEAT. The new Energy Star specification opens the door to additional procurement opportunities but it creates risks for manufacturers that do not register their products.
Contact ECD Compliance for information on services related to Energy Star requirements and EPEAT.
