Networked Devices

Network connectivity is an increasingly common feature in new appliances. Networked devices offer new levels of functionality, but constantly consume at least a small amount of power in order to maintain their network connection—even when the device is turned off or left in standby mode. The annual power consumption of networked devices is already more than 600 TWh globally, and this number is projected to nearly double by 2025.

Preliminary SEAD Initiative analysis found that adopting network efficiency standards in SEAD economies could, by 2030, save 180 TWh of electricity each year—an approximately 15 percent reduction in the projected growth of network standby energy consumption. These savings would avoid the need for approximately 60 medium-sized power plants and reduce annual CO₂ emissions by 110 million tons.