Computing equipment
DEFRA estimate that there are around 12.2 million desktop computers in the UK, and around 17.3 million laptop computers. As the UK has around 26.5 million homes, domestic computers (desktops and laptops) now outnumber households.
Choosing an energy efficient desktop or laptop computer can have a real impact on reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Desktop and laptop PCs
Laptops typically uses 85% less electricity over a year than Desktop PC’s do, so they're already the more energy efficient choice. If your computing needs are met by a laptop, then why not consider one as an alternative to a Desktop PC? With smaller components and screens, laptops use much less electricity than desktop computers which can save you around £30 a year. Unfortunately there are currently no Energy Saving Trust Recommended laptops registered on the scheme but click below to find other Energy Saving Trust Recommended computing products
If however you do require a desktop computer choose a PC with the Energy Saving Trust Recommended label. This will mean it uses less energy in 'sleep' and 'standby' too - not just when they're running. Overall, they would save you around £58 over the products lifetime.
Smarter energy usage
IT equipment in the home accounts for around 13% of households electricity usage. Peripheral IT equipment such as printers, broadband modems and routers can also use significant amounts of power when not in use. Electricity consumption can be reduced by making sure that your IT equipment is turned off at the plug when not in use.
Look for Energy Saving Trust Recommended computing products .
Read the full Energy Saving Trust Recommended manufacturers' criteria for desktop PCs.
Read the full Energy Saving Trust Recommended manufacturers' criteria for laptop PCs.
Computer monitors
On average Energy Saving Trust monitors will save around £18 and save 70kg of carbon dioxide over the lifetime of the product, helping reduce the energy consumption within your home. Household computers, printers, monitors, laptops on average make up around 13% of electricity around the home. By looking for the label when you buy a monitor, you can reduce your monitor’s energy consumption, saving you money and energy. Unfortunately there are currently no Energy Saving Trust Recommended computer monitors registered on the scheme but click below to find other Energy Saving Trust Recommended computing products
Look for Energy Saving Trust Recommended computing products.
Read the full Energy Saving Trust Recommended manufacturers' criteria for computer monitors.
Inkjet printers
Whether it's a single-function or multi-function inkjet printer that copies, scans and faxes too, there's an energy saving choice. If you’re going to buy a printer, look for the Energy Saving Trust Recommended label for a product that costs less to run, helping you save money and the environment.
Computer products are contributing more and more to our electricity bills, so it’s worth looking at the products you use to cut down on how much you spend. Energy Saving Trust Recommended printers use 40% less electricity in sleep mode than average new models which would cut costs and help to save you money, so make sure you look for the Energy Saving Trust Recommended label when choosing a printer.
Smarter energy usage
Always turn your printer off at the plug when it is not in use to stop it wasting energy when you are not using it. There are a number of ESTR products available to help cut down your standby electricity consumption, such as standby savers that turn your printer off at the mains when your computer is not in use.
Look for Energy Saving Trust Recommended inkjet printers.
Read the full Energy Saving Trust Recommended manufacturers' criteria for imaging equipment.
