Couch potatoes will soon have yet another way to remain eco-friendly. The Environmental Protection Agency has announced new guidelines for set-top boxes, the devices that deliver television and video content. As of the beginning of 2009, Energy Star set-top boxes for cable, satellite and telecom televisions will have to be 30 per cent more efficient than the standard models. EPA will also work with the companies who provide these services to offer customers an upgrade from their current set-top box, in hopes that not only will there be a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, but that the initiative will save customers some money as well.

A conversion of all set-top boxes in the U.S. to Energy Star-approved boxes would save approximately $2 billion annually, as well as reducing emissions the equivalent of 2.5 million vehicles per year.

“With approximately 148 million set-top boxes installed in the United States and 23 million more set-top boxes expected to ship in 2008, EPA is challenging manufacturers and service providers to deliver boxes that not only offer the newest features, but are also energy-efficient,” said Robert Meyers principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.

» Environmental Protection Agency