Green Computers Soon Just a Click Away

Green Computers Soon Just a Click Away

Responding to overwhelming demand by large-volume computer purchasers seeking to buy more environmentally preferable computers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated the Green Electronics Council to develop and maintain a registry of computers, laptops, and monitors meeting an EPA workgroup’s strict environmental criteria.

The environmental criteria were developed over a two-year period in an extensive multi-stakeholder process funded by EPA. The more than 50 participating stakeholders included representatives from environmental non-profit organizations, large public and private sector purchasers, major computer and component manufacturers, electronics recyclers, and others.

Green computers are currently in development by many of the major computer manufacturers. They have significantly reduced levels of hazardous metals such as cadmium, mercury, and lead. They are easier to upgrade and easier to safely recycle. They are also more energy efficient.

The three-tiered Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) rating system developed by EPA’s stakeholder group includes 23 required criteria and 28 optional performance criteria organized in the following eight product performance categories:

1. Reduction/Elimination of Environmentally Sensitive Materials
2. Materials Selection
3. Design for End of Life
4. Life Cycle Extension
5. Energy Conservation
6. End of Life Management
7. Corporate Performance
8. Packaging.

Products meeting all 23 of the required criteria will be identified as bronze EPEAT products. Products meeting at least 14 of the optional criteria will be listed as silver EPEAT products and those meeting at least 21 of the optional criteria will be designated gold EPEAT products.
The EPEAT standard will be officially released in June 2006 when the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) releases the IEEE 1680 Standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products, including Notebook Personal Computers, Desktop Personal Computers, and Personal Computer Monitors. Once the standard is released, the Green Electronics Council will list computers, laptops, and monitors meeting the standard on the EPEAT web site at: www.govinfo.bz/5957-303.