ENERGY STAR Imaging Equipment Unit Shipment Data 2020
What Is ENERGY STAR?
ENERGY STAR is a voluntary labeling program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR mark meet strict energyefficiency criteria, helping consumers and businesses reduce electricity use, lower utility bills, and cut greenhousegas emissions.
Why Focus on Imaging Equipment?
Imaging equipmentprinters, copiers, multifunction devices (MFDs), and scannersare among the most energyintensive office devices. They are typically on standby for long periods, consume significant power during printing, and contribute to a sizable share of office electricity use. By improving the efficiency of these devices, ENERGYSTAR can generate large nationwide savings.
2020 Shipment Overview
| Category | Total Units Shipped (millions) | ENERGY STARCertified Units (millions) | Certification Rate | Estimated Energy Savings (TWh/yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Printers (inkjet & laser) | 48.5 | 23.7 | 48.9% | 0.93 |
| Copiers | 7.2 | 5.1 | 70.8% | 0.37 |
| Multifunction Devices (MFDs) | 12.4 | 8.0 | 64.5% | 0.68 |
| Scanners (standalone) | 3.1 | 1.4 | 45.2% | 0.12 |
| Total | 71.2 | 38.2 | 53.6% | 2.10 |
Interpretation of the Data
1. Growing Share of Certified Devices
The certification rate rose from 48% in 2018 to nearly 54% in 2020. The biggest jumps occurred in copiers and MFDs, where manufacturers introduced new lowpower models to comply with updated ENERGY STAR specifications introduced in 2019.
2. Energy Savings by Device Type
While printers represent the largest volume, MFDs deliver the highest perunit energy savings because they combine printing, scanning, and copying in a single chassis, eliminating the need for multiple devices. Standby power reductions contributed most of the savings: many certified models now limit idle draw to < 1W.
3. Market Drivers
- Corporate sustainability goals: Large enterprises are setting zerocarbon footprints that prioritize ENERGY STARqualified hardware.
- Cost pressures: The shift to remote work increased homeoffice printing, making efficient devices financially attractive.
- Regulatory influence: Several state procurement policies now require ENERGY STAR certification for office equipment.
Environmental Impact
Based on EPA modeling, the 2020 certified shipment fleet saved approximately 2.1TWh of electricity, which translates to:
- ~1.6million metric tons of COe avoided
- Enough energy to power about 210,000 average U.S. homes for a year
- A reduction equivalent to removing roughly 350,000 passengervehicle miles from the road annually
How the Certification Process Works
- Specification Review: Manufacturers submit product specifications to the EPA.
- Testing: Independent labs verify that power consumption meets ENERGY STAR limits for active, idle, and sleep modes.
- Labeling: Certified models receive the ENERGY STAR logo for marketing and procurement.
- Annual Reporting: Certified manufacturers report unit shipments to the EPA, which aggregates the data for public release.
What Buyers Should Look For
- ENERGY STAR label: Verify that the logo appears on the product and packaging.
- Powersave features: Automatic duplex printing, lowpower standby, and fast wakeup times.
- Print volume compatibility: Choose a device sized for the expected monthly print load; oversized units waste energy.
- Supplychain sustainability: Look for manufacturers that also report on recycled content and endoflife recycling programs.
Future Outlook
The EPA plans to tighten ENERGY STAR thresholds again in 2024, targeting a 15% reduction in idle power for new models. Additionally, the growing adoption of cloudbased printing services could shift energy consumption from onpremise hardware to datacenter resources, underscoring the need for holistic assessments of totalsystem efficiency.
Resources & Further Reading
- ENERGY STAR Imaging Equipment Program Home Official program site and certification criteria.
- EPA ENERGY STAR Annual Reports Detailed shipment and savings data.
- PrinterLogic Blog: ENERGY STAR Printers Practical buying guide for businesses.
Data sourced from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR Imaging Equipment Unit Shipment Data 2020, accessed May2026.
