This page provides acquisition guidance for buying computers. Federal laws and requirements mandate that agencies purchase ENERGY STAR®-certified products or Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)-designated products for all covered product categories except as specifically exempted by law.
FEMP's acquisition guidance and associated ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements apply to desktop and integrated desktop computers, workstations, notebook computers, slates/tablets, portable all-in-one computers, and thin-clients. All other computer types are excluded, including but not limited to docking stations, e-readers, ultra-thin clients and small-scale servers.
This acquisition guidance was updated in December 2024.
How To Find Product Efficiency Requirements
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides computer efficiency levels and product specification information on its ENERGY STAR website. Manufacturers meeting these requirements are allowed to display the ENERGY STAR label on complying models. Get a list of ENERGY STAR-certified computers.
Computers must also meet FEMP low standby power requirements. Standby power is the electricity consumed by a product when in the lowest energy consuming mode, which typically occurs when the product is switched off or not performing its primary function. For certain computers, buyers can assume all ENERGY STAR-certified products meet FEMP’s Low Standby Power limit of 1 W. For other computer types, buyers must purchase compliant products in FEMP’s Low Standby Power Product List.
Check Table 1 to see which requirements apply to each computer type.
Table 1. Resources for Finding Compliant Computers
| Computer Type | ENERGY STAR Qualified Product Lists | EPEAT Registry | FEMP Low Standby Power List |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop | X | X | |
| Integrated | |||
| Notebook | |||
| Slate/Tablet | |||
| Thin-Client | |||
| Portable All-In-One | X | X | |
| Two-In-One Notebooks | X | X | X |
| Mobile Workstations | |||
| Integrated Thin-Clients | |||
| Workstation |
Did you know?
Leaving power saving mode enabled can reduce computer energy use by up to 27% annually.
How To Determine Cost Effectiveness
An efficient product is cost effective when the lifetime energy savings exceed the up-front cost premium (if any) compared to a less efficient option. You can find more information about determining life cycle cost effectiveness on our general guidance page.
See below for two examples comparing the life cycle cost savings of base models (less efficient than the ENERGY STAR requirements), models meeting the ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements, and the best available models. Tables 2 and 3 provide examples for two common computer types, one for desktop computers and one for notebook computers.
Example 1: Desktop Computer
FEMP has calculated that an ENERGY STAR-certified desktop computer saves money if it costs no more than $59 (in 2023 dollars) above the less efficient model. The best available model shown below is cost effective if it costs no more than $74 above the less efficient model (or $15 above the required model).
Table 2. Lifetime Savings for Efficiency Desktop Computer Models
| Model Efficiency Level | Best Available | ENERGY STAR | Less Efficient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Energy Use (kWh) | 12 | 52 | 208 |
| Annual Energy Cost | $1 | $6 | $23 |
| Lifetime Energy Cost | $5 | $20 | $79 |
| Lifetime Energy Cost Savings | $74 | $59 | ====== |
Example 2: Notebook Computer
FEMP has calculated that an ENERGY STAR-certified notebook computer saves money if priced no more than $10 above the less efficient model. The best available model shown below is cost effective if it costs no more than $15 above the less efficient model (or $5 above the required model).
Table 3. Lifetime Savings for Efficient Notebook Computer Models
| Model Efficiency Level | Best Available | ENERGY STAR | Less Efficient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Energy Use (kWh) | 3 | 15 | 41 |
| Annual Energy Cost | $0.3 | $2 | $5 |
| Lifetime Energy Cost | $1 | $6 | $16 |
| Lifetime Energy Cost Savings | $15 | $10 | ====== |
Energy Use and Cost Assumptions
Annual Energy Use: Based on reported values from the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products List (QPL) as of December 2024 and other market data collected by ENERGY STAR. All desktop values were for the commonly found I2 (integrated or switchable graphics) category.
Annual Energy Cost: Calculated based on an energy price of 11¢/kWh, which is the average electricity price at federal facilities in the United States as of July 2024. Learn more about Federal Government Energy/Water Use and Emissions data.
Lifetime Energy Cost: Calculated assuming a product life of 4 years, in alignment with ENERGY STAR savings calculations. Used future electricity price trends and a 3% discount rate from Energy Price Indices and Discount Factors for Life-Cycle Cost Analysis – 2024: Annual Supplement to NIST Handbook 135 and NBS Special Publication 709 (NISTIR 85-3273-39).
Lifetime Energy Cost Savings: The difference between the lifetime energy cost of the identified models.
Model Efficiency Levels
Best Available: Based on the model with the lowest energy consumption in the ENERGY STAR Qualified Products List as of December 2024. More efficient models may have entered the market after FEMP's acquisition guidance was created.
ENERGY STAR: Based on ENERGY STAR required energy consumption as of December 2024. Federal agencies must purchase products that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR efficiency levels.
Less Efficient: Based on the model with the highest energy consumption from market data collected by ENERGY STAR. Note energy savings will vary depending on actual usage.
Where To Buy Compliant Products
Buyers can make sure the product they purchase will be compliant by incorporating federal acquisition regulation language into contracts. Compliant products can also be found using federal supply sources and product codes. See our general guidance page for more details on buying compliant energy-using products.
Computer Product Codes
The Defense Logistics Agency Environmental Attribute Codes (ENAC) and United Nations Standard Products and Services Codes (UNSPSCs) for computers are shown in Table 4. An ENAC identifies items with energy characteristics that meet standards set by an approved third party, such as FEMP and ENERGY STAR. Purchasers can also use a UNSPSC to identify and buy products and to track purchases.
Table 4. Product Codes for Computers
| Computer Types | DLA ENAC | UNSPSC |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop | LF | 43211507 |
| Integrated Desktop | DB | 43211500 |
| Thin-Client | LF | 43211506 |
| Workstation | LF | 43211515 |
| Notebook | DB | 43211503 |
| Slates/Tablet | == | 43211500 |
| Portable All-In-One | == | 43211500 |
Other Tips for Choosing and Using the Best Product Efficiently
Tips for Selecting the Best Computer
When comparing different types of computers, it is important to consider how the product’s features affect its energy use and lifetime costs, in addition to other factors.
- Some utilities offer rebates or other incentives for the purchase of ENERGY STAR-certified products. Use the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder to see if your local utility offers these incentives.
- Some more powerful computers, such as those used for graphic design or computer-aided drafting, may benefit from a more efficient power supply. When ordering computers for these applications, consider specifying more efficient power supplies like those rated at 80 PLUS Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
- Almost all computers and workstations in federal facilities are connected to local area networks using Ethernet technology. Look for energy-efficient Ethernet protocols and components for additional savings. The switch (or router) and the computer must support this technology to achieve these savings.
- Since notebooks are designed to operate from a battery power supply, they also tend to be more energy efficient and have many of the same features as desktop models. However, combining a notebook with an external monitor or docking station may increase power use.
Tips for Using Computers More Efficiently
- Properly using the built-in power management features in personal computers is one of the most effective ways to save electricity and lower energy costs. Enable computer power management features for the shortest time period and lowest power mode consistent with your needs. IT personnel should routinely check computers to make sure power management features have not been disabled.
- Manually shut off computers completely at night, on weekends and holidays, and during long periods of non-use during the day. This saves energy and will not shorten the life of these products. For notebook computers, unplug your plug-in power supply after the notebook battery is charged, or use a power strip with an on-off switch.
- If your networked computer(s) must remain on in the evening for file backup or other purposes, turn off the monitor. There are numerous free and commercial solutions for managing computer power settings remotely. Look for network features that provide a timed shutdown, automatic shutdown after file backup, or auto-boot-up before backup. Using sleep and off modes will not shorten computer life.
- Many notebooks (and some desktops) offer a hibernate feature, which saves active programs and files before shutting off, then restores the same status when the computer is turned on. This added convenience encourages users to shut off their computers when not in use.