A look at energy labels, green packaging & energy saving monitors

But considering the diverse certifications and eco-saving functions that currently exist in the various displays on the market, users often have trouble distinguishing the specific differences in eco-friendliness. To help make this task a little bit easier, AOC will this year present an overview of selected environmental certificates and eco-friendly monitor functions to assist users in their decision to make their workstation more sustainable.

While there are several international and regional environmental certificates, users interested in exploring the sustainability of their current or future monitor will most likely come across the EnergyStar, TCO and EPEAT labels. The EnergyStar 6.0 certification mark hereby primarily provides information on the energy consumption and efficiency levels of a monitor. For example, it requires the display to automatically go into standby mode after a set period of non-usage.

The label, which all current AOC monitors have been certified with, also specifies low energy consumption levels of less than 0.5 W for displays during standby. Purchasing a monitor that is certified with the most recent version, EnergyStar 6.0, thereby ensures a reduction in overall user energy needs and can potentially generate long-term cost savings.

Monitors labelled with TCO 6.0 and EPEAT fulfil a range of criteria that go beyond mere energy consumption levels. Both certificates require displays to be manufactured in a socially responsible manner using environmentally sound materials. Displays labelled with both certificates can be expected to enjoy a long lifetime. As such, they not only contribute to a reduction in electronic waste but also comprise a durable investment for their users.

The TCO 6.0 label also ensures that displays numerous other requirements, such as high image quality standards as well as a diverse range of ergonomic adjustment options, which can promote user health benefits. Likewise, the EPEAT certificate requires monitors to be assessed in terms of their sustainability throughout their entire lifecycle, which is defined using a variety of both obligatory and optional criteria: e.g. is at least 90% recyclable packaging used. Depending on how many of these criteria a display meets, determines its Bronze, Silver or Gold rating.

Most AOC monitors are not only fully certified with important labels but also incorporate additional features that help users work even more sustainably. In addition, some models boast an integrated zero power switch to allow users to shut down the monitor completely to save energy while away from the screen. All AOC displays include an Eco mode, which allows users to optimise energy consumption by adjusting the screen settings to different types of use, such as reading text or playing games. In terms of their power consumption, selected models of the Pro line use less than 0.1 W in standby mode. Moreover, the AOC e-Saver power management software enables users to set up a time period after which the monitor is shut down automatically to save energy.