On 5 October 2006, the European Commission proposed a new five year Agreement with the United States on the Energy Star programme the aim of which is to foster and reinforce the energy efficiency of office equipment. This new agreement will be the continuation of the 5 year programme first introduced in 2001. It covers computers, monitors, copiers, printers and fax machines, which are responsible for approx. 5% of the EU's electricity consumption.

Legislation includes:

• Council Decision of 14 May 2001 concerning the conclusion on behalf of the European Community of the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the European Community on the co-ordination of energy-efficient labelling programmes for office equipment
• Commission Decision of 11 March 2003 establishing the European Community Energy Star Board
• Regulation (EC)No. 2422/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 November 2001 on a Community energy efficiency labelling programme for office equipment