| GREEN-SPECS™ |
| GREEN-SPECS™ are the most common guiding principles and compliance standards that classify an electronics and computer product and its manufacturer to be considered green or greener. |
| Efficiency - Product is Energy Efficient |
| Product is ENERGY STAR® qualified
ENERGY STAR® is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Energy efficient choices save families about one third on their energy bill with similar savings in greenhouse gas emissions. An ENERGY STAR® product does not sacrifice features, style or comfort. |
 | Product power supply is 80 PLUS™ certified
The 80 PLUS® performance specification requires power supplies in computers and servers to be 80% or greater in energy efficiency at 20%, 50% and 100% of the rated load, with a true power factor of 0.9 or greater. This makes an 80 PLUS® certified power supply substantially more efficient than current power supplies and creates a unique market differentiation opportunity for power supply and computer manufacturers. |
 | Product operates using alternative energy sources i.e. Solar, Wind, Wind-Up
Alternative or renewable energy refers to the harnessing of clean and unlimited power sources like the sun, wind, water or even human power and converting that power into electricity through a device or system. Renewable energy is clean energy and does not emit any CO2 emmisions associated with global warming. |
| Content Product materials are less hazardous to human health and the environment |
 | Product is RoHS compliant (Restricted use of Hazardous Substances)
RoHS is a European legislative initiative that on July 1, 2006 restricted the use of six hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products deemed harmful or toxic to human health and the overall environment. With some exceptions RoHS compliant products do not contain any Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Hexavalent Chromium, Polybrominated Biphenyl and Polybrominated Biphenyl Ethers. Although not legislated in the U.S., consumers still benefit from many manufacturers who sell their products globally and have transitioned their overall manufacturing standards to meet the RoHS compliance standard. |
 | EPEAT™ Computers and Monitors are EPEAT Registered
EPEAT™ (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) is an EPA sponsored not-for profit organization that has united industry, government and environmental organizations to participate in and promote the adoption of EPEAT registered computer products. Learn more Manufacturers submit and register their computer products with EPEAT declaring compliance with the IEEE 1680-2006 environmental standard for electronics. This standard is based on a product meeting or exceeding extensive criteria of the following environmental attributes: - Reduction/elimination of environmentally sensitive materials
- Materials selection
- Design for end of life
- Product longevity/life cycle extension
- Energy conservation
- End of life management
- Corporate performance
- Packaging |
| Additonal considerations for evaluating green electronics, computers and manufacturers: |
| Stewardship - Company has environmental charter
- Company has a published environmental mission with goals and objectives
- Company has environmental policies, practices and incentives for employees and suppliers
- Company publishes an annual environmental report card or audit of its progress |
| Optimization - Product design, manufacturing and delivery reduce environmental footprint
- Product design advances multi-functionality while reducing size, weight and material waste
- Packaging materials are reduced and are made from or incorporate recycled materials
- Product life is extended through new technologies and/or upgrades |
 | Repurposed -Product has responsible end-of-life programs
- Manufacturer offers or sponsors end of life, take-back or recycling programs
- Products and packaging are recycled, reclaimed and reused
- Product lifecycle is extended through refurbishment, resale, reuse or donation |
