TVs
Television contributes significantly to the electricity use of European households (at least 10%). Consumers are increasingly buying bigger and higher definition sets (which consume more electricity). Manufacturers need to be strongely pushed to increase further the energy efficiency of their products. If we do nothing, European electricity consumption from TVs could more than double and increase by 77 TWh by 2020 (as much as the residential electricity consumption of Spain).
Manufacturers already have the technology to produce 50% more energy efficient models. Measures to minimise the use of hazardous materials and promoting resource efficiency are also important when it comes to improving environmental performance.
What does the coolproducts campaign want?
• A strict limitation of the electricity consumption of TVs, revised sufficiently often to take into account rapid technological development.
• A complementary energy label at the point of sale, to inform consumers and discourage them from buying the largest models.
• Ecological requirements to make TVs toxic-free and easier to recycle.
What is the the European Union doing and what’s our position?
An EU regulation on TVs has been adopted in July 2009. It set minimum requirements on the energy performance starting in 2010 (TVs should not consume more than the 2007 average) and 2012 (TVs should consume 20% less). But these levels are still far from what manufacturers could do and the ambition of the Californian legislation developed recently. We believe a large part of the improvement potential is still missed.
Fortunately, however, some of our proposals have been included: strict limits on standby mode consumption have been introduced, an auto-power down requirement after 4 hours will become mandatory and the legislation will be revised earlier (in 3 years time). According to estimates, these additional provisions could save an extra 20 TWh of yearly energy.
In terms of consumer information, an A-G energy label has been prepared and will come to the market in 2012. The definition and ambition of the scale has led to long discussions and debates (reinforced by the rejection of a first proposal by the European Parliament in 2009). The coolproducts campaign expects that this label - although not ideal - will drive further deployment of efficient technologies.
(Last update: May 2011)
Further reading:
- TopTen focus on TVs (2010)
- Energy Efficient TVs campaign
- Find out more about the EU process on our expert pages
- Read our blog entries "World Cup: Red Card for energy wasting TVs!" and "Tune in, turn on, cop out". (2010).