GDCON Dallas is a comprehensive educational experience for data center professionals looking to optimize their facility through increased energy efficiency and innovative data center design trends. Industry experts, interactive workshops and case study presentations will be used to demonstrate the cost saving benefits of “greening” your facility. You can read more in this online brochure.

On June 6 from 11:00-11:45 am, the Green Electronics Council’s Pamela Brody-Heine will give an informative presentation that provides:

• A brief orientation to the EPEAT system
• A history of development and participation
• An overview of EPEAT use and environmental benefits to date

Pamela will also report on the background research performed to prepare for servers standard development, and discuss the opportunities for participation by members of the audience, who are key consumers and producers of server products.

We hope to see you at the GDCON Dallas in June! Remember that you can receive 20% off by using the discount code TDEPEAT20 if you register at this link.

The Green Technology Innovation Briefing highlighted the EPEAT® environmental rating system as a model for the design, development and procurement of greener electronics. The EPEAT system provides market incentives for product design, manufacturing and management that reduce toxic content and solid waste, decrease emissions and increase recyclability.

“There’s no denying the need to make sure the technologies we use to power our economy are meeting the highest standards in environmental friendliness,” said Congressman Blumenauer. “It is vital that we continue discussions like this in the future that bring government, industry, and environmental groups together. The EPEAT system is an excellent example of how manufacturers and purchasers can meet their electronics needs as well as their environmental goals at the same time.”

“The future of green technology hinges on finding innovative ways to achieve long-term environmental health while creating jobs and economic opportunity for our nation,” said Rep. Bonamici. “The EPEAT system illustrates an excellent way to achieve balance between the public and private sectors, between environmental goals and advanced technology, and between economic vitality and a high quality of life”

The Green Technology Innovation Briefing included the following panelists:

• Tanya Mottley, Director of the Pollution Prevention Division, U.S. EPA
• Dennis Amorosano, Senior Director of Solutions Marketing and Professional Services, Canon U.S.A., Inc.
• Josh Silverman, Director of the Office of Sustainability Support, U.S. Dept. of Energy
• Joel Sigler, Manager of National Environmental Health and Safety, Kaiser Permanente
• Robert Frisbee, CEO, Green Electronics Council

The panel was moderated by Chris O’Brien, Director of Sustainability at American University and former Director of the Responsible Purchasing Network.

The EPEAT registry includes print fleet imaging products such as printers, imaging and multi-function devices. To be added to the EPEAT registry, an imaging device must meet at least 33 required environmental performance criteria, including Energy Star compliance. Products may achieve higher ratings by meeting up to 26 additional optional criteria.

PrinTree, an independent MPS provider based in Los Angeles, combines print management expertise with access to products, support and services from major equipment manufacturers. Its clients avoid the upfront burdensome analysis and research of buying and managing print devices, particularly with their environmental sustainability goals top of mind.

As EPEAT’s first Imaging Equipment Channel Partner, PrinTree offers clients a transparent, independent and single-source avenue for acquiring the most environmentally preferable printing equipment. The partnership with EPEAT complements PrinTree’s existing print management Schedule 36 for its public sector clients.

“PrinTree values having environmental standards for high-performance electronics, and I applaud their commitment to promote imaging devices that meet those criteria,” said Robert Frisbee, EPEAT CEO. “I look forward to supporting PrinTree as they help their clients identify and purchase greener imaging equipment.”

EPEAT is a purchasing requirement for U.S. federal agencies and is integrated into hundreds of government, education, healthcare and enterprise IT contracts worldwide.

“We are honored to be the first EPEAT Channel Partner focused on Imaging Equipment,” said Aaron Collins, PrinTree CEO. “This EPEAT affiliation synergistically strengthens our multiple-brand, vendor-neutral value proposition to meet our clients’ needs.”

“Our print management solution, from day one, was designed to be a leader in environmental sustainability,” added Mary-Rose Nguyen, PrinTree COO. “Being EPEAT’s first Imaging Equipment Channel Partner validates our rigorous approach and agnostic advice that our clients highly value.”

EPEAT rates products on a lifecycle basis, addressing the elimination of toxic substances, the use of recycled and recyclable materials, their design for recycling, product longevity, energy efficiency, corporate performance and packaging, among other criteria. As with all environmental standards on which EPEAT ratings are based, the criteria for Imaging Equipment were developed during an extensive stakeholder consensus process that involved hundreds of representatives from the environmental, manufacturing, research, recycling and government sectors.

Over their lifetime, the 533 million EPEAT-registered electronics purchased globally since 2006 will deliver significant environmental benefits. Compared to products not meeting EPEAT criteria, these electronics will result in the reduction of more than 394,000 metric tons of hazardous waste, the elimination of enough mercury to fill 2.3 million fever thermometers, and will reduce solid waste by the equivalent of nearly 86,000 U.S. households’ annual waste. These lifecycle benefits and others are calculated using the Electronics Environmental Benefits Calculator, developed under a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

PrinTree is an emerging leader in providing managed print services (MPS) to commercial and public sector clients. Its brand-neutral solution separates MPS strategies from hardware asset decisions. Advisory Services, Eco Services, and Performance Monitoring Services compliment the company’s Core MPS solution. Together, this synergistic suite is designed to help clients maximize their print fleet investment and manage their vendor supply chain. PrinTree is a privately held minority owned business located in Los Angeles, California.

The Green Electronics Council (GEC) and its EPEAT program are not involved in any way with these notices, nor is the IEEE Sponsor Committee (EASC) that oversees the 1680 family of environmental performance standards.  These actions contradict a series of formal decisions made by the IEEE Sponsor Committee, including its decision to not move forward with the Working Group process for these standards within IEEE.  By unilaterally reversing stakeholder decisions IEEE is undermining the open consensus process required by purchasers, and demonstrating a lack of commitment to following stakeholder direction. This jeopardizes the eligibility of new IEEE standards for the EPEAT registry.

GEC is committed to respecting the decisions of stakeholders:

• The Server Oversight Group, (an independent balanced stakeholder body outside of IEEE) after a lengthy investigation selected NSF International as the Standards Development Organization for development of the server standard.

• The IEEE Sponsor Committee (EASC) voted to withdraw Project Authorization Requests (PARs) for both the Server standard (1680.4) and the PC/Display revision (1680.1).

GEC continues to move forward with stakeholder driven decision-making that will result in environmentally sound voluntary consensus standards for the EPEAT registry.

We will be issuing a Call for Participation with NSF International shortly, and encourage you to attend the informational webinar series about this process starting this Monday (May 6^th).

Robert Frisbee
CEO, Green Electronics Council 

The EPEAT registry now includes registered televisions from LG Electronics and Samsung. These pioneering manufacturers together account for more than one-third of global TV shipments and revenues.

To be added to the EPEAT registry, a television must meet at least 24 required environmental performance criteria. Products may achieve higher ratings by meeting up to 29 additional optional criteria. The rating criteria were developed during a four-year consensus process that involved hundreds of representatives from the environmental, manufacturing, research, recycling and government sectors.

“I commend these pioneering manufacturers for exhibiting leadership and meeting EPEAT’s environmental standards,” said Robert Frisbee, EPEAT CEO. “Purchasers worldwide can now identify and procure great TV technology that’s environmentally preferable as well.”

Wayne Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics USA, said, “As a long-time EPEAT partner for computer monitors, we recognize the value of this important program in educating consumers about sustainable products. LG is proud to be among the first to meet EPEAT’s new TV criteria for listings on the definitive global registry for greener electronics.”

EPEAT rates products on a lifecycle basis, addressing the elimination of toxic substances, the use of recycled and recyclable materials, their design for recycling, product longevity, energy efficiency, corporate performance and packaging, among other attributes.

For more than six years, EPEAT ratings have helped companies, governments and consumers compare and purchase greener PCs and monitors, resulting in significant environmental benefits. In 2013, EPEAT’s product scope is expanding substantially. The addition of TVs comes less than two months after the registry expanded to include printers, copiers and other imaging equipment. Much as PCs, displays and imaging equipment have been added over the months and years, additional TVs will join the registry as they meet EPEAT’s environmental criteria.

“I’m proud that my district is home to this organization that is making such a difference, not just in the U.S., but around the world. The federal government is leading by example by embracing EPEAT standards for greener electronics, and I’m eager to see the positive impact of the expanded EPEAT registry,” said U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer (D – Ore.). “EPEAT’s success shows that an incentive-based approach can move markets and that diverse stakeholders working together can be true catalysts for change.”

EPEAT’s original PC/Display rating system is used as an environmental requirement by eight national governments, including the United States, and thousands of purchasers worldwide. Purchase contracts that require EPEAT registration exceed $65 billion. More than 50 manufacturers have registered their greener PCs, monitors, copiers, printers, multifunction devices and now TVs in more than 40 countries. More than 533 million EPEAT-registered products have been purchased since the registry debuted in July 2006.

Since 2006, purchasers choosing EPEAT-registered electronics over products that don’t meet the system’s criteria have eliminated greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 11 million U.S. vehicles’ annual impact, avoided more than 394,000 metric tons of hazardous waste and reduced solid waste by nearly 167,000 metric tons – equivalent to  nearly 86,000 U.S. households’ annual waste.

EPEAT TV Registry Launch in the News

• “Samsung, LG TVs Make EPEAT Debut” - Environmental Leader
• “LG TVs registered in new EPEAT environmental ratings” – The Financial
• “How Green are HDTVs?” – GreenTech Advocates

Susan, who joined EPEAT from TerraChoice / UL Environment, has more than 20 years of experience designing and implementing conformity assurance programs. While at TerraChoice / UL Environment, Susan spearheaded the development and implementation of a new validation-services subsidiary and helped to ensure the organization’s consulting services had the scientific rigor and responsiveness depended on by purchasers, stakeholders and the public.

In her role at EPEAT, Susan develops verification processes, manages third-party auditors, provides technical support to participating companies and contributes to the ongoing improvement of EPEAT’s conformity assessment systems. She spends her time in both Ottawa, Ontario and Portland, Oregon.

The EPEAT registry currently includes imaging equipment from seven manufacturers: Canon, Dell, Epson, HP, Lexmark, Ricoh and Xerox. Two additional manufacturers – Konica Minolta and Samsung – have begun the process of registering products with EPEAT. Combined, these nine manufacturers represent at least 80% of the global market for copiers, printers, scanners and multifunction devices. Devices will be continually added to the registry as they are deemed compliant with EPEAT’s environmental requirements.

“World markets will now be able to easily and reliably identify and purchase greener printers, copiers and scanners based on EPEAT ratings,” said Robert Frisbee, EPEAT CEO. “I applaud the leadership of everyone involved with achieving this important milestone.”

“I’m proud that my district is home to this organization that is making such a difference, not just in the U.S., but around the world. The federal government is leading by example by embracing EPEAT standards for greener electronics, and I’m eager to see the positive impact of the expanded EPEAT registry,” said U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer. “EPEAT’s success shows that an incentive-based approach can move markets and that diverse stakeholders working together can be true catalysts for change.”

“EPEAT’s environmental impact standards serve a valuable role in the marketplace,” said U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, incoming Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “I commend those manufacturers that meet EPEAT’s stringent environmental ratings, and I’m proud to say that EPEAT calls Oregon home.”

To be added to the EPEAT registry, an imaging device must meet at least 33 required environmental performance criteria. Products may achieve higher ratings by meeting up to 26 additional optional criteria. The rating criteria were developed during a four-year stakeholder consensus process that involved hundreds of representatives from the environmental, research, governmental and manufacturing sectors.

EPEAT rates products on a lifecycle basis, addressing the elimination of toxic substances, the use of recycled and recyclable materials, their design for recycling, product longevity, energy efficiency, corporate performance and packaging, among other criteria.

“We are proud to be among the first imaging equipment providers to participate in the expansion of the EPEAT registry,” said Mario Rufino, Manager, Environmental Management & Product Safety, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The new imaging equipment standard was developed to highlight leadership in sustainability. As Canon’s registered products are designed with this in mind, we welcome any effort that helps customers choose office technology solutions that help them reduce their own impact on the environment.”

“Customers are looking for simple ways to make comparisons between products and their environmental qualities. Dell helps its customers make those assessments easily through our commitment to a wide range of EPEAT product registrations (more than 200 currently) and the IEEE 1680 series of standards,” says Steve Lalla, Vice President End User Computing at Dell. “EPEAT-registered products are a global solution reflecting our own environmental sustainability principles and providing consistent, impartial guidance for our customers. The recent publication of the IEEE 1680.2 Imaging standard will continue the long-standing collaboration with Dell and EPEAT as we expand product registrations to include our line of imaging products.”

“Epson has been committed to the environment since 1988 when the company began pioneering the elimination of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in its manufacturing processes,” said Colin Donahoe, director of business imaging for Epson America. “Our corporate values and environmental performance are in line with EPEAT standards, and Epson is working to ensure that over 90 percent of our printer and scanner lines meet a minimum of EPEAT Bronze level certification.”

“Increasingly, people want to purchase products that have strong environmental attributes, and EPEAT does a nice job of summarizing those attributes in PCs, monitors, and now printers, copiers and scanners,” said Judy Glazer, Senior Director of HP’s Printing and Personal Systems Social and Environmental Responsibility organization. “We support EPEAT and look forward to continuing strong participation in the program.”

“Lexmark strongly supports initiatives such as EPEAT that will help our customers make more informed choices about purchasing greener products, solutions and services,” said Marty Canning, Lexmark executive vice president and president of Imaging Solutions and Services. “Sustainability is core to Lexmark’s vision of positively impacting the communities where we live and work. Since Lexmark’s inception and the formation of its vision and values, our company has assumed responsibility for its actions associated with ecological impacts and worked diligently to remain an exemplary environmental steward around the world.”

“At Ricoh, we have focused on being a leader of environmental sustainability for the entire product life cycle, which is core to our global business operations. Furthermore, we strongly believe that the EPEAT Imaging Equipment Program is essential to helping purchasers make informed decisions,” said Jay Dizzine, Vice President, Technology Marketing, Ricoh Americas Corporation. “By engaging in EPEAT, Ricoh is further enhancing its complete portfolio of products and services to better manage and reduce environmental impact and cost, while improving productivity for our customers and creating shared value for our society.”

“At Xerox, sustainability is our way of doing business, so when given the opportunity to help customers make informed decisions on selecting environmentally preferable products, we were onboard. Our current EPEAT registered products include multifunction printers and stand-alone printers that help businesses simplify how work gets done while producing less waste and using less energy,” said Diane O’Connor, vice president, Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability, Xerox.

“As a broad-based technology distributor with deep relationships in the IT channel, we are excited about this new EPEAT registry that offers our customers greener printer and copier choices,” said Kirk Robinson, senior vice president, commercial markets and global accounts, Ingram Micro North America. “Our public sector team will ensure that our resellers have access to the right solutions for technology users in government, healthcare and education markets.”

EPEAT’s original PC/Display rating system is used as an environmental requirement by eight national governments, including the United States, and thousands of purchasers worldwide. Purchase contracts that require EPEAT registration exceed $65 billion. More than 50 manufacturers have registered their greener PCs, monitors, copiers, printers and scanners in more than 40 countries. More than 533 million EPEAT-registered products have been purchased since the original registry debuted in July 2006.

Since 2006, purchasers choosing EPEAT-registered electronics over products that don’t meet the system’s criteria have eliminated greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 11 million U.S. vehicles’ annual impact, avoided more than 394,000 metric tons of hazardous waste and reduced solid waste by nearly 167,000 metric tons – equivalent to  nearly 86,000 U.S. households’ annual waste.

1. Think before you print. Pausing before printing can save paper and resources, protecting forests and reducing pollution. Enough office paper is used in the United States each year to build a 10-foot wall from New York to Los Angeles 2.5 times. Buying recycled paper and ensuring computers default to double-sided printing further helps reduce the environmental impact of office paper use.

2. Recycle your old electronics. The EPA reports that approximately 1.8 million tons of electronics were disposed of in landfills in 2005, with toxic chemicals that can end up in the groundwater. The EPA provides options from manufacturers and retailers as to how to donate or recycle your old electronics.

3. Purchase EPEAT-registered electronics. EPEAT-registered products must meet strict environmental criteria, from fewer toxins in manufacturing to efficient operation and easier recycling, which reduce their overall environmental impact across their lifecycle. For example, in 2001, EPEAT-registered products eliminated the use of enough mercury to fill more than 1 million fever thermometers. The infographic on this page has more information about the environmental benefits. You can search for EPEAT-registered products here.

4. Make your computer work smarter, not harder. Ensure your computer has its energy-saving settings activated, and make sure to shut it down and turn off the monitor at the end of the day.

5. Go light on the lights. An instant way to cut energy use is as simple as flicking a switch. Turning out the lights when you’re not in the office or when daylight provides enough light can add up.

For the skeptical “Scrooges” out there who think small changes won’t make a difference, consider this: the environmental benefits of EPEAT registered electronics sold in 2011 compared to conventional products resulted in:

• Solid waste reduction equal to more than 75,000 U.S. households’ annual trash
• Mercury elimination equivalent to more than 1 million fever thermometers
• Greenhouse gas reductions equal to taking 1.6 million U.S. cars off the road for an entire year.

If every workplace just took these five steps this year, imagine the impact. You can learn about more benefits in EPEAT’s Environmental Benefits Report.

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