Adoption of Energy Star programme welcomed

The Council adopted the new Regulation for implementing the EU-US Energy Star programme in the EU. This Regulation requires EU institutions and central Member State government authorities to use energy efficiency criteria no less demanding than those defined in the Energy Star programme when purchasing office equipment. Energy Star is part of the Community strategy to better manage energy demand, contribute to security of energy supply and mitigate climate change.

“The requirement of the new Energy Star Regulation to apply ambitious energy efficiency criteria in the public procurement of office equipment will further push manufacturers to put efficient equipment on the market while making good use of public money. This achievement proves the EU’s commitment to turn ambitious energy efficiency goals into reality”, remarked Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs.

The usual thresholds for public supply contracts apply. This is the first time that the Council and the European Parliament agree on making certain energy efficiency criteria mandatory for public procurement.

The energy efficiency criteria defined in the ENERGY STAR programme are being continuously upgraded by the Commission in close cooperation with the EU Member States and the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Further information on the Community Energy Star programme is available at

www.eu-energystar.org.