EPEAT evaluates electronic products relative to 51 environmental criteria, 23 required and 28 optional. Computer manufacturers that meet a certain criteria are awarded a gold, silver, or bronze star allowing the consumer to differentiate products.
Reduction or elimination of environmentally sensitive materials. Computers contain potentially harmful chemicals like cadmium, mercury, and chromium. EPEAT Encourages manufacturers to reduce or eliminate them altogether.
Materials Selection informs the consumer of the percentage of recycled plastic and offers a declaration of percentage of renewable/bio-based plastic material content.
Design for End of Life informs consumers about special handling needs for disposing of their product when it no longer useful.
Product Longevity/Life Cycle Extension encourages manufacturers to make extended warranties available so their product lasts longer or available to be upgraded.
End of Life Management asks manufacturers to take their product back at the end of the product’s life, at no cost to the consumer.
Corporate Performance means a manufacturer demonstrates a sound corporate environmental policy throughout their business.
Packaging criteria requires manufacturers to reduce or eliminate intentionally added toxins in packaging.
Energy Conservation asks manufacturers to adopt the government’s Energy Star® specifications.
EPEAT criteria seems difficult and expensive for a gold star, so why would manufacturers be willing to comply? Had you ever heard of EPEAT? Did you base your last computer purchase on EPEAT criteria? If you were aware of EPEAT, would you pay more just to be green? What if your business pays significantly more for EPEAT computers and your competitor doesn’t, did they get an edge?
Started in 1772 as a voluntary labeling program to identify and promote energy efficient products.
Energy Star® claims that if every computer in the United States met Energy Star® requirements, the savings in energy costs alone will grow to about $2 billion each year and greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by the the equivalent of that from 2 million cars.
In many instances, Energy Star® computers are more expensive to purchase but are far more efficient and cost effective in the long run
A Green PC is a personal computer that is environmentally friendly and includes the following:
Energy-efficient power supplies
Includes processors that consume minimum amounts of electricity
Attempt to do away with or minimize environmentally harmful components
Makes use of aluminum or plastic parts from recycled materials
The most important factor in a Green PC is energy efficiency
Active Use: The computer is on and being use
Sleep Mode: Low power after a designated period of time
Standby Mode (Off): Turns off after designated period of time
Based on the idea that businesses can be environmentally friendly, more profitable, and socially responsible.
Organizational policies and procedures
Best Practice considerations
Long term, sustainable considerations
Reduction of power usage and paper consumption
Recycling policies and procedures
Used computer software and hardware disposal
EPEAT and Energy Star® compliance
Green PC purchasing recommendations