EPA Launches Development of ENERGY STAR Specification for Uninterruptible Power Supplies

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is launching the development of an ENERGY STAR® specification for uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs). The EPA recently conducted a scoping effort to evaluate UPS products for inclusion in the ENERGY STAR program. The EPA reviewed market data and held many discussions with product manufacturers, industry associations, and other parties. As a result of this effort, the EPA found the following:

– UPS products are common throughout the enterprise data center, small office, and home office/entertainment markets, and represent an opportunity for ENERGY STAR to expand upon its energy efficiency experience with power supplies and data center IT equipment.

– National energy-savings potential compares favorably to that from other ENERGY STAR product categories.

– Several test standards, including IEC 62040-3, CAN/CSA-C813.1-0, serve the UPS market. There is opportunity for ENERGY STAR to expand upon these established standards in the development of a standard evaluation method for UPS energy efficiency.

– Efficiency improvements are not likely to have a negative impact on product performance.

– A labeling program will help consumers identify the most efficient UPS solution for their specific application.

The EPA has concluded that purchasers in all UPS markets will benefit from access to standardized UPS energy performance data made available through the ENERGY STAR program. As a result, the EPA intends to begin the specification development process. Details on this process will be forthcoming in the next several weeks.