Computers

It takes 140 TWh of energy to power the world’s personal computers each year, with monitors accounting for up to 35 percent of a desktop computer’s total energy consumption. Personal computing products account for a large share of all energy consumed by information and communication technologies, which are responsible for approximately two percent of total global CO₂ emissions.

Preliminary SEAD Initiative analysis found that increasing the efficiency of computers in SEAD economies could, by 2030, save 45 TWh of energy annually. These savings would avoid the need for approximately 15 medium-sized power plants and reduce annual CO₂ emissions by 40 million tons.

To date, more than 40 economies around the world have developed minimum efficiency standards or labeling programs for computers.