Germans could reduce power consumption of electronic devices by over 75 percent – government advisors

A more efficient use of smartphones, computers, televisions, or other electronic appliances could reduce the power consumption of these devices by more than three quarters, the German Council for Sustainable Development (RNE) says in a press release. Households’ power consumption contributes about one quarter of Germany’s total emissions, the RNE says, which is why a more efficient use of common electronic devices could have a substantial impact on emissions. The council, which acts as a government advisor, says that many such devices are pre-set to provide “maximum convenience and permanent availability” to the detriment of energy saving and sustainability, which could be changed in a few simple steps. According to the council, about 22 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy go to waste in Germany every year due to the standby mode of devices, costing households four billion euros.

Find the press release in German here.

See the CLEW factsheet What German households pay for power for background.