What a year!
A remarkable 2012 for EPEAT is coming to a close and the list of areas of progress is long. Ongoing growth has continued, with a 30% increase in sales of EPEAT-registered products reported for 2011, and growth in purchaser uptake continuing in the 42 countries we currently cover. Standards for Imaging Equipment and TV’s were published in October and registry development has moved forward rapidly. A remarkable group of certification and testing organizations have joined us to create a global registration network. These are all testimonials to the remarkable creativity, cooperation and persistence of the EPEAT community around the world.
Fortunately, the hard work is just beginning. Because of big wins in 2012, a major part of our next year is focused on execution of these growth plans. The Imaging Equipment registry covering copiers, printers and more will open to the public in January, with the TV registry close behind in March. With market opportunities more than doubled with the advent of these registries, we know how important it is to ensure the experiences of purchasers, subscribers and partners using the new registries goes smoothly and meets their needs. It is exciting to be on the threshold of these new markets.
Expansion will occur in several other directions this year. Our global registration partners CESI, DEKRA, Intertek, UL Environment and VDE will become fully integrated into the EPEAT system as they assist manufacturers to register products to the new standards. We will also be moving forward to expand the registry with server standard development preliminaries completed and the full process launching in 2013.
EPEAT must also remain vigilant to protect and advance the system’s underlying credibility. The update of the core PC and display standards is critical to our effectiveness and relevance, as markets respond to technical advances and fast-evolving “got to haves” with new design and engineering approaches. We’re confident that the attention to detail and commitment to excellence that were hallmarks of the Imaging and TV standards process will enable stakeholders to hammer out meaningful, forward-looking improvements to the PC/Display criteria.
We at EPEAT pledge our year to continue the momentum, cooperation, vision and support that has characterized EPEAT since its creation. We are thankful to all our stakeholders for their vital contributions to EPEAT’s success.
We look forward to continuing to benefit from the perspectives and contributions of all our audiences, and all the stakeholders – supporters, dreamers, idealists, true believers and critics alike - whose contributions make our work, and EPEAT, a reality .
Happy Thanksgiving, best wishes for a wonderful end of year, and a great 2013.
Robert Frisbee, CEO