Energy Star products – helping protect the envrnmt

19 December 2006

Media Release

Energy Star qualified products – helping to protect the environment

If you are in the market for home electronics this Christmas, make sure you choose an Energy Star® qualified product.

According to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), New Zealand homes consume over $100 million in electricity a year just by having their appliances in stand-by mode.

In a typical household, a significant amount of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are in stand-by, powering clock displays and remote controls.

However, Energy Star qualified home electronics are engineered to use the minimum amount of power in stand-by (less than one watt), without compromising performance.

EECA’s products manager Terry Collins says “Because our energy consumption is growing so quickly, we are putting a lot of pressure on our electricity system. Choosing products with the Energy Star mark is a simple way for us all to make our homes more energy efficient. It’s good for our power bills and good for New Zealand’s environment.”

You'll find the mark on leading brands of TVs, DVD players, home theatre systems, air conditioners, computer and office equipment at retailers throughout New Zealand. And it's coming soon to dishwashers, washing machines and fridges.

EECA says you can identify Energy Star approved products by their logo which appears prominently on qualified products. It’s blue and white with the star symbol alongside its name.

* Energy Star is an international mark awarded to electrical appliances that meet the highest levels of energy efficiency. It is already well established internationally, including in the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, Asia and Europe.

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EECA is working to improve New Zealanders’ energy choices.

Information about ENERGY STAR can be found at www.energystar.govt.nz

Information about EECA and renewable energy can be found at www.eeca.govt.nz

Background information

About Energy Star

ENERGY STAR® is the global mark of energy efficiency. The mark helps you to identify and buy the most energy efficient products and appliances.

It's a totally independent mark that is promoted in New Zealand by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

ENERGY STAR is already recognised and trusted in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia.

In New Zealand, you'll find the ENERGY STAR mark on leading brands of air conditioners / heat pumps, TVs, DVD players, home theatre systems, computer and office equipment. And it's coming soon on dishwashers, washing machines and fridges.

By choosing to buy products and appliances that have earned the ENERGY STAR mark, you'll save money on your power bill, plus you'll be helping to protect our environment.

Why Energy Star?

As well as saving money, you'll be making a real difference to New Zealand's environment.

New Zealand's energy consumption has been growing steadily with its economy and population. This growth puts increasing pressure on our energy resources and infrastructure.

By being more energy efficient as a nation - for example, by using more energy efficient appliances - we reduce energy waste and get more from each unit of energy we use. This means lower power bills and less impact on our environment.

No compromises

ENERGY STAR products do NOT compromise performance or quality in any way. Instead, they use latest technology to enhance energy efficiency.

You will find the ENERGY STAR mark on the latest products, from LCD screens to heat pumps.

Look for the mark on leading brands at retailers throughout New Zealand.

ENDS

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