DOE Launches Contest To Find World's Most Efficient TV

An international coalition of governmental energy agencies recently launched a competition that seeks to crown the world’s most energy-efficient flat screen televisions.

Earlier this week, the Super-efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment Initiative (SEAD) announced the first-ever Global Efficiency Medal competition in which television manufacturers from across the globe will compete against one another in a competition based on the energy efficiency of their products. SEAD is an initiative of the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), a high-level global forum launched by the Department of Energy and other leading governments in July 2010 to advance clean energy technology.

“Helping consumers save money by saving energy has always been a priority for the Energy Department. 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,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu.

The competition will include three television size categories (small, medium and large) in four regions (Australia, the European Union, India, and North America), with one international winner also selected in each size category. Product nominations will be accepted from February 1, 2012 through May 31, 2012. Prospective winners will be required to provide samples of each entry to verify energy efficiency claims, examinations of which will be conducted by sponsoring governments. Winners will be announced this fall, with an international awards ceremony in early 2013.

According to SuperEfficient.org, the coalition’s official website, 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. More efficient TVs mean consumers save money on their electricity bills.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Robert R.

8:55AM PST on Jan 16, 2012

I suppose the most efficient television is the one that's never turned on. However, flat panel TVs are inherently more efficient than CRT sets, so right there we're saving a lot of energy by switching. The differences between most models might be microscopic and the relative impact on our overall energy consumption small. In addition, the sets I've looked at use about one watt in standby.

I think we'd be better served by having competitions for air conditioners, water heaters, refrigerators, heat pumps, and other appliances that run up the KWH.

send a green star

Chris K.

6:14AM PST on Jan 16, 2012

They might even remember to leave out the stand by button,which uses nearly as much power as watching the TV in the first place.Why not do something more interesting instead anyway!!!!!!! Get a life!!!!!!

Joe R.

4:49AM PST on Jan 16, 2012

Great!

Gina P.

1:14PM PST on Jan 15, 2012

Lat us know the results. That's the one I will buy.

Anne F.

1:44PM PST on Jan 14, 2012

A step to be commended. Let's also make better refrigerators (even for tenants and especially for keeping medical supplies safe).

Laurie G.

10:13AM PST on Jan 14, 2012

Well said, Duane B.!

Duane B.

9:23AM PST on Jan 14, 2012

This is a good concept by government. It should add economic pressure to electronics firms to manufacture highly efficient televisions so that they can earn the award and garner some associated free advertising and name recognition.

Meta R.

8:55AM PST on Jan 14, 2012

Hooray for acting globally and working "locally" (local as in the USA) Mr. Chu! The world will be a better place with less energy being consumed.

Brenda T.

8:47AM PST on Jan 14, 2012

I always buy energy efficient appliances.

Mel M.

4:40AM PST on Jan 14, 2012

Thanks for the article..