New: SEAD report analyzing the outcomes and accomplishments of the Global Efficiency Medal Competition for televisions is now available for download. The report details the efficiency of winning products, manufacturers' efforts at improving efficiency, energy savings potential and cost effectiveness of winning televisions, and test lab capacity building. Click here to download the report.
This global competition encourages the production and sale of super-efficient equipment, appliances, and electronics by identifying the most efficient product in each category in four regions, as well as an overall global winner. This winner-takes-all competition will advance efficiency improvements by:
- Recognizing products with the best energy efficiency
- Guiding early adopter consumers who want to purchase the most energy efficient models
- Demonstrating the levels of efficiency that are achievable with commercially available and emerging technologies
The SEAD awards complement existing national and multinational labeling programs, such as ENERGY STAR, that set performance thresholds for energy-efficient products.
The SEAD Global Efficiency Medals for Displays will be awarded to the 12 most energy-efficient computer monitors in three size categories across four regions. It is estimated that in 2008, displays in the residential sector consumed the same amount of electricity produced by 11 to 13 mid-sized coal power plants. By recognizing both commercially available and emerging technologies, the competition will accelerate efficiency gains in existing technologies in the market and introduce new technologies in the market.
For more information about the Display awards competition, including the official competition rules, click here or view the press release here.
The SEAD Global Efficiency Medal competition for Electric Motors will focus on general purpose induction motors typically used in the residential and commercial sectors. According to a study by Brunner, Waide and Jekob (2011), electric motors accounted for 7108 TWh of electricity consumption in 2006, roughly 45% of total electricity consumption. In 2010, small motors accounted for 9.1% of total motor electricity consumption and medium-sized motors accounted for 67.6% of total motor electricity consumption. In total, small and medium-sized motors consumed 5308 TWh.
Nominations for the SEAD motor awards competition will be accepted beginning 3 June 2013. Please click here for more information.
The SEAD Global Efficiency Medal competition recognizes Samsung and LG for producing the most energy efficient flat-panel TVs in the world.
In its first year, the competition is encouraging the production and sale of super-efficient televisions by identifying the most efficient flat-panel TVs in three different size categories and four geographical regions, with one product awarded for most efficient emerging technology globally.
Televisions account for 3%-4% of global residential electricity consumption. Globally, electricity savings would be more than 84 billion kilowatt hours yearly by 2020 if all TVs sold were as efficient as the SEAD award-winning TVs. SEAD global award-winning products are 33-44% more efficient than TVs with similar technology.
SEAD has also recently completed an assessment of the outcomes and accomplishments of this competition. Included in the report are details of the efficiency of winning products, manufacturers' efforts at improving efficiency, the energy savings potential and cost effectiveness of winning televisions, and test lab capacity building. Click here to view the report.
For more information about the TV awards competition, including the official competition rules and frequently asked questions, click here.
Leadership
The following SEAD member countries and governments are leading the effort to develop and implement the awards competitions.
News and Press Releases
SEAD Global Efficiency Medal competition featured in New York City's Time Square.
Speaking on an energy efficiency panel at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show, Kavita Ravi from the U.S. Department of Energy announces the launch of the second SEAD Global Efficiency Medal competition.
Press Release: Global competition to identify world's most energy-efficient computer monitors
Press Release: The SEAD Initiative recognizes Samsung and LG for producing the most energy efficient flat-panel televisions in the world.
Download Brochure
Download the SEAD Global Effiency Medal brochure here
Future Awards
Future rounds of the awards will focus on other major energy-using appliances that are internationally traded and can be evaluated using established test methods. Categories under consideration include electric motors, computers, refrigerators, and lighting. Products in selected categories will compete on a rotating basis, with awards for a given product type being given once every few years.
To join a mailing list for future program updates, please click here.