The US Department of Energy is joining with governmental colleagues from around the world to launch a competition for the most energy efficient flat-panel television.
The US Department of Energy is joining with governmental colleagues from around the world to launch a competition for the most energy efficient flat-panel television.
The competition is the first of several competitions for various product categories planned under the Super-efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment (SEAD) Initiative. SEAD was created by the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), which launched in 2010.
Television manufacturers from across the globe will compete in three size categories (small, medium and large) and in four regions (Australia, the European Union, India, and North America). One international winner also will be selected in each size category.
"The SEAD Global Efficiency Medal awards will help identify the most efficient products on the market, making it easier for consumers in the United States and around the world to reduce energy waste and energy bills" Energy Secretary Steven Chu said.
Televisions are responsible for six to eight percent of global residential electricity consumption. Evidence suggests that technology advances, such as more efficient LED backlighting, can yield significant reductions in television electricity consumption over the coming years.
Manufacturers can also submit products not yet commercially available to be judged as emerging technologies. Product nominations will be accepted from February 1, 2012 through May 31, 2012. Winning products will be announced this fall and labeled as SEAD Global Efficiency Medal award-winners.
Bart King is a PR consultant and principal at Cleantech Communications.
Published Jan 10, 2012 3pm EST / 12pm PST / 8pm GMT / 9pm CET
Bart King is the founder and principal at New Growth Communications. He specializes in helping sustainability leaders develop thought leadership content and strategy