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eco-labels

 

In order to help identify which products meet our green criteria, we have relied on existing eco-labels. There are quite a few of these environmentally friendly designations, and though it's great to see any one of them on any given product, they don't all have the same goals, apply the same standards, or mean the same thing.

To help give you a better understanding of the products we sell, we've included brief explanations of the six eco-labels you'll encounter while shopping with us.

In addition, we've provided a link to information about other eco-labels as well as general eco-labeling resources.


80 PLUS

80 PLUS is an incentive program designed to encourage the use of more energy-efficient power supplies for computers and servers. To receive an 80 PLUS designation a power supply must be at least 80% energy efficient. An energy efficient power supply means that more of the electricity uses is turned into electricity the computer can use, and less is wasted in the form of heat. As a side benefit of reduced heat, the computer's components will last longer. Energy efficient power supplies are catching on. The latest ENERGY STAR specifications for computers (effective July 2007) include a requirement for 80% plus efficiency.

For more info, visit 80 PLUS.


Blue Angel

Created in 1977, Germany's Blue Angel holds the distinction of being the oldest eco-label. Its goal is to protect both the environment and the consumer. The label is conferred upon products by an Environmental Label Jury (appointed by the Federal Minister of the Environment) comprised of thirteen members from disparate groups such as environmental associations, trade unions, and community representatives. Products and services that submit to Blue Angel scrutiny do so voluntarily; currently, some 3700 products and services in 80 categories bear its seal. With regards to computer equipment (computers, monitors, keyboards, printers), criteria considered by the jury include toxicity levels, energy efficiency, ergonomics, upgradeability, and ease of recycling.

For more info, visit Blue Angel.


ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR is a program of the United States Government aimed at promoting energy efficient choices. In order to qualify for the ENERGY STAR label, products must meet the energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy. For instance, computer monitors marked with this eco-label use up to 85% less electricity than those that are not. ENERGY STAR covers a wide range of home appliances (refrigerators, washing machines), electronics, and more. It also provides guidelines for making your home or business more energy efficient.

For more info, visit ENERGY STAR.


EPEAT

The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool is an environmental performance standard for computer equipment. EPEAT registered products are identified by a "performance tier" of Bronze, Silver, or Gold. By covering a broad spectrum of environmental concerns all at once--including material selection, energy efficiency, longevity, and end-of- life issues--EPEAT makes it simple for purchasers to compare and evaluate the environmental impact of various products. Developed by the Zero Waste Alliance under a grant from the U.S. EPA, EPEAT is run by the Green Electronics Council and currently covers desktop computers, laptop computers, and monitors.

For more info, visit EPEAT.


RoHS

The Reduction of Hazardous Substances Directive was passed by the European Union with the aim of reducing the amount of six hazardous substances (including lead) found in electrical and electronic equipment. (China and Korea have passed similar legislation, as has the state of California.) The RoHS Directive covers a wide range of items including computers and home appliances. While it only applies to products in the EU, some manufacturers are choosing to use the same criteria worldwide rather than dealing with disparate specifications.

For more info, visit RoHS or IPC's RoHS page.


TCO

TCO Certification is a program run by TCO Development, a company owned by the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees. Its goal is to improve the office environment while also protecting the natural one. Thus, certification under this program takes into account how a product measures up with regards to ergonomics, emissions, energy, and ecology. The TCO label is commonly seen on computer monitors (50% of monitors worldwide are TCO certified), but applies to a broad range of workplace equipment, including printers, mobile phones, even desk chairs.

For more info, visit TCO.


For further info about eco-labels, please visit our eco-label resource page.