US & EU Renew Energy Star Agreement

(Washington, D.C. - Dec. 20, 2006) The United States and the countries of the European Community today renewed their agreement on the energy efficiency of office equipment products using the government's Energy Star label. The agreement was signed at a ceremony by EPA Deputy Administrator Marcus Peacock, Ambassador John Bruton of the Delegation of the European Commission in Washington, and Finnish Ambassador Pekka Lintu. The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union.

Specifically, the agreement calls for the use of Energy Star labeling on office equipment in European markets and United States imports, including computers, monitors, printers, copiers, fax machines and scanners, with other products possibly added in the future. Recently revised and more challenging technical specifications for imaging equipment and computers will result in improved energy efficiency.

Combined, these new specifications will save American households a projected $4 billion over the next 5 years and avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the emissions of more than 6 million cars, with additional energy and environmental benefits possible in the European Union. The renewal of this agreement also lends even greater authority to other nations' efforts to stimulate the market for energy efficient products.

The United States and the European Community first signed the agreement in 2000.

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