Large Network Equipment Now Eligible for the Label

ENERGY STAR Update
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Thursday, February 4, 2016

On December 2, 2015, EPA finalized the first ENERGY STAR specification for large network equipment. Putting the label on energy efficient large network equipment will help IT procurers and data center operators select products that save money on energy bills, and will assist manufacturers of efficient equipment increase sales. Data centers and server closets are estimated to consume more than 2% of total US electricity, so improving the energy efficiency of this equipment has large potential environmental benefits.

Large network equipment is typically used by businesses or other organizations to pass internet traffic through multiple ports at high speeds. Devices that are now eligible for the ENERGY STAR include routers, switches, security appliances, and access point controllers.

In addition to meeting power supply efficiency requirements, ENERGY STAR certified large network equipment must include energy saving features like remote port management and Energy Efficient Ethernet. Manufacturers must share extensive information regarding the features and the energy use of their certified products, enabling purchasers to find the product that best meets their performance and efficiency needs.

Branching into this new category is consistent with EPA’s goal of improving the energy efficiency of data center operations. Computer servers, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and data center storage products are also currently eligible for ENERGY STAR certification.

To earn the ENERGY STAR label, products must be certified by an EPA-recognized third party, based on testing in an EPA-recognized laboratory. In addition, manufacturers of the products must participate in verification testing programs run by recognized certification bodies.

ENERGY STAR is the simple choice for energy efficiency. For more than 20 years, people across America have looked to EPA’s ENERGY STAR program for guidance on how to save energy, save money, and protect the environment. Behind each blue label is a product, building, or home that is independently certified to use less energy and cause fewer of the emissions that contribute to climate change. Today, ENERGY STAR is the most widely recognized symbol for energy efficiency in the world, helping families and businesses save $300 billion on utility bills, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by two billion metric tons since 1992. Join the millions who are already making a difference at energystar.gov