Energy and the Environment
We all need to take care of our environment. Here are some handy tips on how to reduce energy consumption of your TV equipment, and how you can safely dispose of old TV equipment.
Digital TV and energy consumption
Energy consumption of TV equipment is getting better and better - and it is always more energy efficient to buy digital TV products, as it saves you having to convert equipment with a separate digital box at switchover. Find out more here and make sure you follow our Green Rules for keeping down the energy consumption of your TV equipment.
Green tips when buying TV equipment
If you're buying new TV equipment, make sure it is digital. Buying a TV or recorder with digital built-in could save buying a separate box that will use extra electricity at switchover.
Digital TV equipment can be identified by the digital tick logo
Increasingly product packaging will display the digital tick logo in a scoreboard graphic. The scoreboard will highlight important features carried on particular models. It will always include the energy in standby level and where appropriate the Energy Saving Recommended logo when the product conforms to the Energy Saving Trust measurement criteria. The scoreboard will come in vertical and horizontal formats, either in the standard digital UK colours, black and white or white on black.
When you're buying TV equipment look for the most energy efficient products that have been awarded the Energy Saving Recommended logo
The logo may be carried separately on product or included in the digital tick scoreboard. Larger screen TVs will use more energy, regardless of whether they are analogue or digital; plasma, LCD or CRT.
If you're thinking of getting a subscription TV service like cable or satellite, then these boxes sometimes need more energy than non-subscription (Freeview) boxes, but all of Sky's equipment meets the European Code of Conduct on Energy Efficiency, and many Sky boxes will now go into standby automatically overnight if you're not using them, saving electricity.
Green tips for using your TV equipment
Whenever possible do not leave your TV equipment running unnecessarily.
Often TVs are left on when nobody is watching for long durations. Make sure you turn your TV off completely, and remember to put your TV, box or recorder in standby by pressing 
the standby button on your remote control.
Unfortunately it is not practical to switch all TV equipment off completely. Your digital TV, box or recorder needs to be able to recieve new information through the night, and needs to at least be on standby to record. Without it, your equipment might not work properly. You should not disconnect your digital TV equipment if it is a subscription service (Sky, Virgin, BT Vision or Top-Up TV). Switching off recorders (including Sky+ or Freeview Playback) means they will not be able to record.
Recycling old TV equipment
You don't have to buy new TV equipment for switchover since almost every TV can be converted with a digital box, but if you do, make sure you dispose of your old equipment safely. TV equipment can contain lead, glass, metals, phosphors and plastics that pollute the environment if not propertly disposed or re-used.
In the UK consumers throw away over 1 million tonnes of electrical and electronic equipment every year, and we all have a responsibility to ensure it is properly treated and where possible re-used.
Find out more here - or to get started, follow the Green Tips below.
Do not throw your old TV equipment out with normal household waste. They could end up in landfill sites where they can be harmful both to the environment and humans.
If you are a retailer or manufacturer, find out more about the Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment Directive (the WEEE Directive).
