It's not often that the United States proves its leadership in environmental issues, so the fact that the European Council, the highest body of the European Union, has adopted the Energy Star program is quite a big deal.

The program mostly regulates government purchasing of office equipment, but also influences businesses and general consumers.

"The requirement of the new Energy Star Regulation to apply ambitious energy efficiency criteria in the public procurement of office equipment will further push manufacturers to put efficient equipment on the market while making good use of public money. This achievement proves the EU's commitment to turn ambitious energy efficiency goals into reality," remarked Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs.