Office Equipment Energy Efficiency: Taking the Next Few Bytes

Electricity use by office equipment is growing faster than any other category of electricity use in commercial buildings in the United States. Office equipment directly consumed approximately 26 kWh in 1991 or approximately 3% of total commercial electricity consumption; this figure could increase up to fivefold in the next decade--absent effective technology development and market-transformation policies. This paper examines the energy consumption characteristics of conventional and state-of-the-art personal computers, printers, photocopiers, and facsimile machines. Indirect energy effects (peak electrical demand, air conditioning loads, and energy embodied in paper) are also discussed. Emphasis is given to recent developments in computing, computer display, and imaging technologies that reduce operating and standby energy use. The paper summarizes activities to develop standardized energy testing procedures and information programs, mandated in the Energy Policy Act of 1992, as well as recent efforts outside the U.S. The authors discuss current issues in implementing market-oriented energy efficiency programs for office equipment, and conclude with specific recommendations for both research and technology transfer.

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