On 6 January 2012, SEAD launched the first SEAD Global Efficiency Medal competition. This global awards program encourages the production and sale of super-efficient equipment, appliances, and electronics by identifying the most efficient product in each category in four regions, as well as an overall global winner. This winner-takes-all competition spurs innovation among manufacturers seeking to be the very best and guides early adopter consumers who want to buy top-performing products. the first SEAD Global Efficiency Medals will be awarded to the most energy-efficient flat-panel televisions in different categories. Televisions account for 6%-8% of global residential electricity consumption. 
By recognizing both commercially available and emerging technologies, the competition will accelerate efficiency gains in existing technologies in the market, as well as introduce new technologies into the market. Preliminary SEAD technical analysis indicates that widespread deployment of super-efficient televisions in SEAD economies could save up to 24 terawatt-hours per year, roughly equivalent to a savings of $2 billion USD per year in 2015.
The Official Rules for the 2012 SEAD TV Awards competition were finalized on 3 January 2012 and are available here for download. Product nominations will be accepted from 1 February 2012 to 31 May 2012.
SEAD 2012 Global Efficiency Medal for TVs - Documents available for download:
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The SEAD awards complement existing national and multinational labeling programs, such as ENERGY STAR, that set performance thresholds for energy-efficient products. Future rounds of the awards will focus on other major energy-using appliances that are internationally traded and can be evaluated using established test methods. Categories under consideration include electric motors, computers, refrigerators, and lighting. Products in selected categories will compete on a rotating basis, with awards for a given product type being given once every few years.
SEAD is performing extensive outreach to build interest in the competition. Since January 2012, key manufacturers have expressed enthusiasm for nominating their products, and the competition has received significant media coverage. Interested manufacturers may nominate products in one or more categories. Entrants will be required to provide samples of each nominated product so that energy efficiency claims can be verified. Winners will be announced in October 2012 in order to spur sales during the important holiday season.
Leadership
Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States are leading the effort to develop and implement the awards competition.
News and Announcements
Please visit the SEAD News and Announcements webpage to view the SEAD Global Efficiency Medal press release and news articles featuring the TV awards competition.