Why buy ENERGY STAR® for public institutions?

Apart from the economic and energy benefits of ENERGY STAR equipment for offices in general (see: Why Buy ENERGY STAR for Offices), public institutions like schools, tax offices, police, local authorities, etc. have extra reasons to be energy efficient.

Spending tax payers' money carries a responsibility towards community objectives, too. Saving energy and the environment are enshrined in the EU policy of Security of Supply, Climate Change, etc..

Furthermore, when EU Member States are trying to achieve policy-aims in the field of IT, incorporating energy and environment should come naturally. In this way, when public institutions —at whatever level— are chasing the goals of the eEurope 2005 programme, including E-Governement, E-Learning, E-Business and E-Health, the EU EnergyStar database could be a good travelling companion.

Already now EU Member States are beginning to incorporate the ENERGY STAR requirements in policies for 'Green' or 'Sustainable' Purchasing and Public Procurement. Such measures could be enhanced with the ENERGY STAR database, e.g. aiming at the Top 10 in energy efficiency within you performance criteria. Following hints on purchase strategy, database and power management in the sections on Selecting PC systems and Imaging Equipment, many institutions will also find that not only electricity is saved, but also that smart buying allows them to stay within a very tight budget.

What helps, in terms of both energy and purchase price, is that most equipment in the public sector does not need to be overspecified in terms of graphics processing. Security, connectivity and compatibility are generally more important.
Furthermore, the Savings Calculator shows that there is more to cost-of-ownership than meets the eye. More energy efficient equipment means less heat, longer product-life, lower air conditioning costs and might even save valuable space not only in the office but also schools, hospitals, police stations, etc.

Finally, our sections on Ecoprofiles, EU Policy and EU statistics on greenhouse gas emissions show that your contribution really matters for the environment. Buying ENERGY STAR and especially the best ENERGY STAR equipment boosts the green image of your institution. Authorities with a strong environmental commitment may easily incorporate buying e.g. the 'Top10 from ENERGY STAR within specific performance criteria' in their toolbox. A visiible Green Purchasing policy, coupled with effective power management, would be a strong asset for EMAS or ISO 14000 institutions. The How To Join section explains how your local community can become an ENERGY STAR Partner.

Background information