The potential monetary savings can be readily quantified. TCO 95 sets no limit on the display s power consumption in the working mode, but it does define upper limits on power consumption in the energy saving and off mode. The limit on the energy saving mode is 30 W, and that on the off mode 8 W. Power must not be saved at the cost of user ergonomics, however. TCO 95 requires that the user resuming work after a break have the display, which has switched itself into the energy saving mode, back in service within three seconds. Dr Fransson states.
Energy efficiency benefits the environment through a lower consumption of electricity.
The environmental protection requirements proper of TCO 95 cover the product, the production processes at the manufacturing plant, and packaging. Manufacturing and packaging must not utilise or generate harmful substances such as CFC, HCFC or heavy metals. The product must not contain hazardous waste, such as cadmium or mercury. The environmental focus is increasingly shifting on recovery or recycling of materials. Unlike the German Blue Angel environmental label, TCO 95 does not require the manufacturer to accept back the product, but it provides for growing recycling of materials.