The Super-efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment (SEAD) Initiative – an international coalition of national energy agencies – has created a competition aimed at improving energy efficiency of computer monitors.
The SEAD Global Efficiency Medal competition for displays will recognize the most energy-efficient computer monitors on the market around the world as well as emerging technologies that have the potential to greatly reduce energy use in the future.
Computer monitors can account for 35 percent or more of a desktop computer’s energy consumption. Globally, displays account for 30 to 40 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity consumption each year, according to SEAD. That’s equivalent to the output of ten or more mid-sized coal fired power plants.
SEAD analysis shows recent technology developments offer significant energy savings potential. By identifying, for the first time, the world’s most efficient displays, SEAD hopes its competition will help consumers make informed purchasing decisions that can in turn lower energy bills.
The SEAD Global Efficiency Medal will be awarded to products that demonstrate the greatest energy efficiency. There are three size categories (small, medium, and large) in four regions (Australia, Europe, India, and North America) that make up the competition, with one overall international winner also selected in each size category. Manufacturers and resellers of commercially available computer monitors are eligible to participate. They can also submit products not yet commercially available to be judged as emerging technologies. Product nominations will be accepted through March 31, 2013, and winners will be announced Sept. 1, 2013.
SEAD’s global recognition program encourages the production and sale of super-efficient equipment, appliances and electronics, focusing on products with significant global energy consumption and energy savings potential. The display competition is the second SEAD Global Efficiency Medal competition; the first recognized the world’s most energy efficient flat-screen televisions.