UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCYWASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
OFFICE OF
AIR AND RADIATIONthMarch 12 , 2013
Dear Computers Manufacturer or Other Interested Party:
With this letter, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is sharing proposed changes to theVersion 6.0 ENERGY STAR Computer Specification, which provide further clarity on how EPA intends toapply existing notebook eligibility criteria to both two-in-one notebook and slate/tablet devices. EPA
welcomes stakeholder input on this proposal, which will be reflected in a Version 6.1 specification oncefinal.
EPA has engaged in significant dialogue with stakeholders since the release of a discussion document
laying out initial thoughts on this topic. Along with a refined proposal specific to two-in-one notebook andslate/tablet devices, this draft also includes minor revisions to the integrated desktop definition toaccommodate newer products with limited battery backup capability. EPA looks forward to discussingthese proposals with stakeholders at the below described webinar and to receiving additional written
stakeholder feedback.
Please note that an updated ENERGY STAR Computers Draft Test Method is not included here but will
be forthcoming in early April. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has been supporting EPA on its
ENERGY STAR Computer specification development by considering whether changes are warranted toaccommodate slate/tablet and two-in-one computers in the ENERGY STAR computers test method. DOE
plans to consider comments received from public comment on its proposed coverage determination
regarding computers and backup battery systems (79 FR 11345) to better inform its next steps for both its
regulatory program and the ENERGY STAR program. Thus, DOE expects to issue a revised test method
for computers in early April 2014, if warranted, to address slate/tablet and two-in-one computers. DOE
has previously received comments, via the ENERGY STAR process, that modifications may be needed toprovide further guidance on luminance settings, how to display the images used for testing, and theconfiguration of cellular and Bluetooth functionality when testing a slate/tablet or two-in-one computer.
EPA is hosting a webinar on March 19, 2014 from 1pm to 3pm Eastern Time to discuss the Draft®
Version 6.1 ENERGY STAR Specification for Computers. To register for the webinar, please click here.
Stakeholders are also encouraged to send written comments to computers@energystar.gov nolater than April 9, 2014.
For further information on specification development activities to date, visit the ENERGY STAR
Computers Product Development webpage accessed through www.energystar.gov/RevisedSpecs andfollow the link for “Computers”.
Stakeholder participation is critical to developing a meaningful specification revision and to ensuring theoverall success of ENERGY STAR. Please direct any specific questions to RJ Meyers, EPA, atMeyers.Robert@epa.gov, or 202-343-9923; or John Clinger, ICF International, at John.Clinger@icfi.com,
or 215-967-9407. Please direct any specific test method questions to Jeremy Dommu, DOE, atJeremy.Dommu@ee.doe.gov, or 202 586-9870.
Sincerely,Robert Meyers
Data Center Product Manager
ENERGY STAR for Computers