by jbs081309 e3 — August 17, 2009—The Green Electronics Council announced on August 10 the availability of an international EPEAT purchasing registry, a major development that enables the world’s leading electronics manufacturers to list “green” computers and monitors in 40 countries across the globe.
The extensive EPEAT green IT product rating system currently registers more than 1,000 products and more than 30 participating manufacturers, from global giants to small integrators. The U.S. government requires federal agencies to buy EPEAT-registered products for at least 95 percent of their needs and hundreds of government and enterprise purchasers worldwide require EPEAT.
With the new expansion, IT purchasers in the US, Canada, Europe, China, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Mexico can evaluate, compare and select products that are available to them based on the products’ environmental performance in their country. EPEAT helps purchasers select computer hardware solutions that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, eliminate toxic substances, increase recycled content, and reduce energy usage.
Products that meet 23 required environmental performance criteria may be registered at the EPEAT Bronze level. Depending on the number of 28 additional optional criteria a product meets it can be rated EPEAT Silver or EPEAT Gold, the highest level. Products are rewarded with additional points as they meet environmental performance criteria related to every phase of the product lifecycle.
IT purchasers and manufacturers can calculate the benefits of EPEAT-registered products through an Electronics Environmental Benefits Calculator developed in conjunction with the U.S. EPA and University of Tennessee Center for Clean Products.
