The SEAD Global Efficiency Medal competition is a global and regional awards program that encourages the production and sale of super-efficient products. This winner-takes-all competition spurs energy efficiency innovation among manufacturers and guides early adopter consumers towards the most efficient product choices. The first annual competition recognized the most energy-efficient flat panel televisions (TVs) in three different size categories and four regions around the world. 

This paper focuses on the development and implementation of the SEAD Global Efficiency Medal competition with the European Awards as an example of a policy mechanism to promote highly-efficient products through awards programs or other voluntary schemes. The paper will also demonstrate how the competition subsequently informed some national and international energy efficiency policies for televisions.