GE Healthcare and 10 other medical device companies have committed to reducing the energy consumption of their new ultrasound products by 25% (relative to 2005 levels) over the next two years.

With support from the EU Commission, 11 members of the European Coordination Committee of the Radiological, Electromedical and Healthcare IT industry (COCIR) have agreed to adopt more energy-efficient designs in their ultrasound imaging equipment.

Ultrasound is the first product area to see the EU Commission's Energy Related Products (ErP) Directive being implemented. Additional modalities will become subject to self-regulation each year.

"We're excited to work together with COCIR to make a difference in medical devices," said Reinaldo Garcia, President and CEO of GE Healthcare for EMEA. "The new generation of medical devices can help save impressive power consumption throughout the industry."

The ErP Directive establishes standards for resource efficiency, focusing on the product platform and life cycle. COCIR's commitment to self-regulation means that strict requirements will have to be met and improvements achieved before new products are commercialised.

"COCIR and the member companies fully support the ErP Directive to proactively reduce and optimise energy consumption, and is seen as the leader in the field of environment and at the forefront of green initiatives with intelligent EcoDesign solutions," said Nicole Denjoy, COCIR Secretary General.