by Shane Henson — March 14, 2012—TCO Development, a company working to ensure users of information technology (IT) and office equipment have excellent products with a high degree of usability while keeping environmental impact to a minimum, has released a new-generation TCO Certified sustainability certification for personal computers (PCs) and computer displays.
According to the company, it is expanding its already stringent TCO Certified labeling from a product focus to also include social responsibility requirements in the production phase of certified products. The release of the new-generation criteria also opens the pre-test period for manufacturers to test and certify products in advance of the official worldwide launch to IT buyers.
Considering increased attention to sustainability among professional purchasers worldwide, it is important that IT products not only are designed for the environment and performance, but also that these features aren’t included at the expense of fair working conditions and other social aspects during the production phase, says TCO Development. The TCO Certified label helps professional purchasers reach their sustainable IT goals by offering them the reassurance of products that are designed with social, economic and environmental aspects in mind.
The new social responsibility requirements are based on the eight core conventions from the International Labour Organization (ILO) as well as labor laws in the country of production, which stipulate minimum standards for working conditions in production facilities. Manufacturers choosing to certify their products will need to provide verification that they are actively working to improve working conditions in accordance with the ILO conventions. Independent audit reports from production facilities will be required annually and will be assessed by independent experts.
