The Global Electronics Council (GEC) is nearing completion of its ambitious multi-year initiative to update EPEAT criteria to align with priority sustainability impacts of electronic products and their supply chains, and to ensure the criteria: meet purchaser demands with an increased focus on climate change and supply chains, address sustainability impacts consistently across product categories and respond to rapid changes in both technology and market trends.

The priority sustainability impact areas include Climate Change, Circularity, Chemicals of Concern, and Responsible Supply Chains. When complete, the updated criteria will be applied across all EPEAT ICT product categories, starting with Computers and Displays, Imaging Equipment, Mobile Phones, Servers, and Televisions.

In January of 2023, GEC released the implementation plan and timeline for the transition to the updated criteria. Since that time, we have continued to receive feedback on the timeline and have engaged with key stakeholders to consider modifications to the timeline.

GEC is pleased to announce release of the November 14, 2024 revision to the implementation plan and timeline.

This document identifies revised dates for implementation and provides additional details on other key activities that will support an efficient and successful transition, including the EPEAT Climate+™ designation.

We deeply appreciate the ongoing engagement and feedback we’ve received, and believe we’ve reached the right balance for a fair and credible path to implement these ambitious updated EPEAT Criteria in the coming years. We remain committed to supporting all stakeholders during this transition process.

Please direct any questions on implementation timeline or plan to EPEAT@gec.org.

The Global Electronics Council (GEC) is nearing completion of its ambitious multi-year initiative to update EPEAT criteria to align with priority sustainability impacts of electronic products and their supply chains, and to ensure the criteria: meet purchaser demands with an increased focus on climate change and supply chains, address sustainability impacts consistently across product categories and respond to rapid changes in both technology and market trends.

The priority sustainability impact areas include Climate Change, Circularity, Chemicals of Concern, and Responsible Supply Chains. When complete, the updated criteria will be applied across all EPEAT ICT product categories, starting with Computers and Displays, Imaging Equipment, Mobile Phones, Servers, and Televisions.

In January of 2023, GEC released the implementation plan and timeline for the transition to the updated criteria. Since that time, we have continued to receive feedback on the timeline and have engaged with key stakeholders to consider modifications to the timeline.

Based on the above, GEC is pleased to announce a revision to the implementation timeline and invites stakeholders to participate in a webinar to learn further details.

To accommodate worldwide locations, two times have been scheduled and the same information will be provided in both sessions. Registration is required – please use the registration links below to sign up.

 We deeply appreciate the ongoing engagement and feedback we’ve received, and believe we’ve reached the right balance for a fair and credible path to implement these ambitious updated EPEAT Criteria in the coming years. We remain committed to supporting all stakeholders during this transition process.

Please direct any questions on the webinar or implementation timeline to EPEAT@gec.org.

The 2nd public consultation on the Draft Criteria on Chemicals of Concern for the EPEAT ecolabel is now open to all interested stakeholders. These criteria address manufacturer programs to reduce sustainability impacts resulting from chemical substances used in products, manufacturing processes and packaging. Criteria also require inventory and transparency about chemicals substances found in products, including PFAS, and the identification of safer chemicals.

The 2nd public consultation period opens March 29, 2024 and closes April 28, 2024 at 11:59 pm ET.  For public commenters, the 2nd consultation is limited in scope to those revisions proposed by the Technical Committee since the initial public consultation.

The public consultation process is managed by NSF International, on behalf of GEC. All public comments must be submitted through the NSF comment platform, which provides detailed instructions on comment submittal.

Please contact Cassandra Leone at NSF (cleone@nsf.org) for assistance with comment submittal, if needed.

General questions regarding EPEAT criteria should be directed to Criteria@globalelectronicscouncil.org

Today GEC, in conjunction with NSF, launched the 2nd public consultation for the Draft Criteria on Responsible Supply Chains (formerly Corporate ESG Performance) for the EPEAT ecolabel. These criteria address the responsible sourcing of materials, fair labor practices and worker health and safety in the electronics supply chain.

The 2nd public consultation period is open from December 1, 2023 and closes on January 16, 2024 at 11:59 pm ET3.  For public commenters, the 2nd consultation is limited in scope to those revisions proposed by the Technical Committee since the initial public consultation.

Please contact Criteria@globalelectronicscouncil.org with questions.

GEC has updated the development schedule for EPEAT criteria by sustainability impact areas. This update of the GEC Criteria Modules by Sustainability Impacts Overview provides revised timeframes for the 2nd public consultation periods for Sustainable Use of Resources, Chemicals of Concern, Corporate ESG Performance (now titled Responsible Supply Chains) and Imaging Equipment Consumables.

If you have any questions about EPEAT criteria development, the sustainability impact criteria, or how to engage in the process, please contact CRITERIA@globalelectronicscouncil.org.

 

GEC has revised and extended the timeframe for the 2nd public consultation for the Draft Criteria on Corporate ESG Performance (now titled Responsible Supply Chains) for the EPEAT ecolabel, based on stakeholder feedback. The 2nd public consultation period will now open on December 1, 2023 and close on January 16, 2024.  For public commenters, the 2nd consultation is limited in scope to those revisions proposed by the Technical Committee since the initial public consultation.

GEC will notify stakeholders when the 2nd public consultation opens via a special edition of this newsletter. The announcement will also be posted on the EPEAT Announcements page.  

Please contact Criteria@globalelectronicscouncil.org with questions.

GEC is scheduling monthly Conformity Guidance Group meetings for 2024. These meetings will be used to address any technical issues that come up for both the current and updated criteria from the sustainability impact modules. The first meeting is scheduled for January and monthly thereafter on the second Thursday of every month. GEC will share topics for each meeting as they are established. Meetings may be cancelled if no topics are raised.

Participants may register for all 2024 meetings using the link below. Currently, each meeting is scheduled in one timeslot to bring together all attendees, however, additional timeslots may be added to a monthly meeting depending on the topic(s) to be discussed.

·    Zoom registration link (7am Pacific/10am Eastern/4pm Germany/10pm China)

As a reminder, the CGG is not a standing committee and there are no standing members. The EPEAT Program seeks technical guidance and expertise from the CGG. The purpose of the CGG is to provide input about specific technical issues about the criteria that EPEAT uses in its various product categories, including when and how updated criteria should be implemented in EPEAT.

GEC is undertaking a multi-year initiative to update EPEAT criteria to align with priority sustainability impacts of electronic products and their supply chains, and to ensure the criteria: meet purchaser demands with an increased focus on climate change and supply chains, address sustainability impacts consistently across product categories, and respond to rapid changes in both technology and market trends.

The priority sustainability impact areas include Climate Change, Circularity and Sustainable Use of Resources, Chemicals of Concern, and Corporate ESG Performance. When complete, the updated criteria will be applied across all EPEAT product categories, starting with Computers and Displays, Imaging Equipment, Mobile Phones, Servers, and Televisions.

In January of 2023, GEC released the implementation plan and timeline for the transition to the updated criteria. Since that time, we’ve continued to receive feedback on the plan and timeline. In addition, implementation topics were addressed during monthly CAB Calibration meetings and monthly Conformity Guidance Group meetings. From June through August 2023, we also engaged with key stakeholders specifically on the implementation timeline, taking into consideration modifications to the criteria development schedule.

Based on the above, GEC is pleased to announce a revision to the implementation plan and timeline.

This document identifies revised dates for implementation and provides additional details on other key activities that will support an efficient and successful transition, including the EPEAT Climate+ designation for manufacturers who adopt the required Climate Criteria early.

We deeply appreciate the ongoing engagement and feedback we’ve received, and believe we’ve reached the right balance for a fair and credible path to implement the updated EPEAT criteria in the coming years. We remain committed to supporting all stakeholders during this transition process.

Please let us know if you have any questions about the revised implementation plan and timeline by emailing us at EPEAT@gec.org.

GEC has updated the development schedule for EPEAT criteria by sustainability impact areas. This update of the GEC Criteria Modules by Sustainability Impacts Overview provides revised estimates on the publication dates for the remaining criteria, reflecting our experience with the Climate Criteria and the reality that the Technical Committees need additional time to work through criteria and reach consensus.

If you have any questions about EPEAT criteria development, the sustainability impact criteria, or how to engage in the process, please contact CRITERIA@globalelectronicscouncil.org.

July 26, 2023

GEC has updated the development schedule for EPEAT criteria by sustainability impact modules. This update of the GEC Criteria Modules by Sustainability Impacts Overview provides revised estimates on the publication dates for the remaining criteria, reflecting our experience with the Climate Criteria and the reality that the Technical Committees need additional time to work through criteria and reach consensus.

If you have any questions about EPEAT criteria development, the sustainability impact criteria, or how to engage in the process, please contact CRITERIA@globalelectronicscouncil.org.

In January, GEC released an Implementation Schedule for the updated EPEAT Criteria. GEC is considering revisions to the implementation schedule due to delays in the completion of criteria. In a Stakeholder Engagement webinar that took place on July 10, GEC presented proposed revisions to the implementation schedule along with the rationale for the adjustments.

GEC is currently accepting stakeholder feedback on the proposed revisions until August 7, 2023, and will publish a revised Implementation Schedule for Updated EPEAT Criteria by August 21, 2023.

Please contact epeat@gec.org for a copy of the meeting materials that were presented on July 10. Feedback should also be directed to epeat@gec.org.

Feedback Solicited on Revision to Implementation Schedule for Updated Criteria

In January, GEC released an implementation schedule for the updated EPEAT Criteria.  GEC is considering revisions to the implementation schedule due to delays in the completion of criteria. In the Stakeholder Engagement webinar on July 10, GEC will present proposed revisions to the implementation schedule along with the rationale for adjustments to the schedule. Stakeholders can provide feedback in the webinar or provide feedback following the webinar. Feedback is due no later than July 28.  GEC will release its final plan for implementation of the Updated Criteria no later than August 15.

Registration is required for the webinar —please use the registration links at the bottom of this article to sign up.

Currently Accepting Feedback on EPEAT Policy Revisions

The Global Electronics Council (GEC) is dedicated to the continuous improvement of the EPEAT Program and is constantly looking for opportunities to strengthen the rigor and credibility of the program. To this end, GEC monitors industry trends, regulatory changes, and market drivers which may impact the EPEAT Program, and responds accordingly. Although GEC has mechanisms in place to monitor these broader external factors, we believe stakeholder input is of paramount importance to ensuring that EPEAT continues to be the leading global Type 1 ecolabel for electronics.

Stakeholder feedback and insights are already an integral component of GEC’s management of the EPEAT Program and are particularly important during the annual policy revision process. Typically, feedback on the annual revisions is received during the public stakeholder comment period every October. However, GEC seeks to have stakeholder feedback also inform the development of annual revisions and is hosting a new stakeholder engagement opportunity over the coming months on a series of key EPEAT Program topics to do so.

This year, GEC will solicit feedback from stakeholders on the following topics:

• Refinement/improvement of current CAB-related processes
• EPEAT Program technical guidance and requirements
• GEC Criteria revision process

GEC hosted an information session on June 14, 2023, to identify specific issues and discussion questions for stakeholder consideration. The presentation materials are now available, and a recording of the webinar will be made available soon.

GEC is currently accepting stakeholder feedback until July 5 on the topics, specific issues, and discussion questions identified in the June 14 webinar. Feedback can be submitted via email to EPEAT@gec.org

GEC is hosting a second Stakeholder Engagement session on July 10, 2023. In this session, GEC will present proposed approaches for addressing each of the key issues. To accommodate worldwide locations, we have scheduled three times for each session. Registration is required—please use the registration links below to sign up.

Please direct any questions to EPEAT@gec.org

In January 2023, GEC released an Implementation Plan to guide the transition to the updated EPEAT Criteria. On May 16, 2023 GEC issued a slightly revised Implementation Plan to reflect the fact that publication of the Climate Change Criteria were delayed. 

Changes were only made to some of the dates pertaining to the Climate Change Early Adopter schedule on page 5 of the document. All changes are identified in red font. No changes were made to any other sections of the document. 

Should you have any questions about the Implementation Schedule, please email us EPEAT@gec.org 

GEC is undertaking a multi-year initiative to revise its EPEAT Criteria to align with priority sustainability impacts of electronic products and their supply chains, and to ensure the criteria:

• Meet purchaser demands with an increased focus on climate change and supply chains,
• Address sustainability impacts consistently across product categories, and
• Respond to rapid changes in both technology and market trends.

The priority sustainability impact areas include Climate Change Mitigation, Sustainable Use of Resources (or Circularity), Reduction of Chemicals of Concern, and Corporate ESG Performance. When complete, the updated criteria will be applied across all EPEAT product categories, starting with Computers and Displays, Imaging Equipment, Mobile Phones, Servers, and Televisions.

After extensive stakeholder consultation throughout 2022, GEC recently finalized the implementation plan that will guide the transition to the updated EPEAT Criteria. The Final Implementation Plan for Updated EPEAT Criteria identifies key dates in the transition process and provides additional details on other key activities that will support an efficient and successful transition, including recognition for manufacturers who adopt the Climate Change Mitigation Criteria early (called ‘Early Adopter Status’).

GEC held three information sessions for stakeholders on February 22, 2023, to highlight key aspects of the implementation plan and answer any questions. Three sessions were held throughout the day to accommodate worldwide locations, and each session covered the same topics. A recording of the webinar, as well as the presentation materials, are now available.

Please direct any questions about the implementation plan to EPEAT@gec.org.

GEC provides a quarterly update on the development schedule for the updated EPEAT Criteria by sustainability impact area. These criteria will be applied across all EPEAT ICT product categories, starting with Computers & Displays, Imaging Equipment, Mobile Phones, Televisions and Servers. Of note this quarter, we’ve made some updates to the development schedule and added information on the implementation plan for the updated EPEAT criteria, which was released in January 2023. The Final Implementation Plan for Updated EPEAT Criteria identifies key dates in the transition process and provides additional details on other key activities that will support an efficient and successful transition, including recognition for manufacturers who adopt the Climate Change Mitigation Criteria early (called ‘Early Adopter Status’). For convenience, this quarterly update also provides links to the most recent public drafts of criteria and supporting State of Sustainability Research.

If you have any questions about EPEAT criteria development, the updated EPEAT Criteria by sustainability impact or how to engage in the process, please contact CRITERIA@globalelectronicscouncil.org.

GEC is undertaking a multi-year initiative to revise its EPEAT Criteria to align with priority sustainability impacts of electronic products and their supply chains, and to ensure the criteria:

• Meet purchaser demands with an increased focus on climate change and supply chains,
• Address sustainability impacts consistently across product categories, and
• Respond to rapid changes in both technology and market trends.

The priority sustainability impact areas include Climate Change Mitigation, Sustainable Use of Resources (or Circularity), Reduction of Chemicals of Concern, and Corporate ESG Performance. When complete, the updated criteria will be applied across all EPEAT product categories, starting with Computers and Displays, Imaging Equipment, Mobile Phones, Servers, and Televisions.

After extensive stakeholder consultation throughout 2022, GEC is pleased to announce that it has finalized the implementation plan that will guide the transition to the updated EPEAT Criteria. The Final Implementation Plan for Updated EPEAT Criteria identifies key dates in the transition process and provides additional details on other key activities that will support an efficient and successful transition, including recognition for manufacturers who adopt the Climate Change Mitigation Criteria early (called ‘Early Adopter Status’).  

Some of the key transition dates are outlined below, however Participating Manufacturers and GEC-approved Conformity Assurance Bodies are strongly encouraged to read the entire document.

 GEC thanks all stakeholders who engaged in the development of the plan. Stakeholder feedback was a crucial element in developing a balanced implementation plan, especially considering the diverse range of views expressed on key transition issues.

GEC believes the implementation plan outlines a fair, credible, and transparent path to guide the successful transition to updated EPEAT Criteria in the coming years, and remains committed to supporting Participating Manufacturers, GEC-approved Conformity Assurance Bodies, and EPEAT Purchasers during the process.

GEC is holding three informational sessions for stakeholders to highlight key aspects of the implementation plan and answer any questions. Since the implementation plan is considered final, no further feedback will be accepted during these sessions.

To accommodate worldwide locations, we have scheduled three times for this call – note that the same topics will be discussed in each call. If you are interested in participating, please use the registration links below.

 Please direct any questions about the implementation plan to EPEAT@gec.org

GEC provides a quarterly update on the schedule for criteria development and implementation for EPEAT’s new criteria by sustainability impact modules. Of note this quarter, we’ve made some updates to the development schedule, including notification that at this time we do not plan to develop additional product-specific energy efficiency criteria beyond the criteria in the Climate Change Mitigation module. We’ve also added a new section that provides links to all the current drafts of criteria and supporting State of Sustainability Research. In addition, we note that release of the implementation plan is delayed until early 2023 as we continue to solicit stakeholder feedback. For more information, please see the updated GEC Criteria Modules by Sustainability Impacts Overview.

If you have any questions about EPEAT criteria development, the sustainability impact modules, or how to engage in the process, please contact CRITERIA@globalelectronicscouncil.org.

GEC has updated the development schedule for EPEAT criteria by sustainability impact modules. This update of the GEC Criteria Modules by Sustainability Impacts Overview also includes information on the second public consultation and schedules for the development of product-specific criteria for imaging equipment consumables and additional product energy efficiency criteria.  

If you have any questions about EPEAT criteria development, the sustainability impact modules, or how to engage in the process, please contact CRITERIA@globalelectronicscouncil.org.

Today GEC releases its draft Reduction of Chemicals of Concern criteria for public comment. The public comment period -- open for 60 days -- is an opportunity for all interested stakeholders to provide technical comments on the draft criteria. These criteria are intended to address the life cycle sustainability impacts identified in the State of Sustainability Research for Reduction of Chemicals of Concern and represent leadership and international best practices in reducing the identified impacts. These criteria are one of 4 sustainability impact modules that will be applied across EPEAT product categories, starting in 2023.

NSF International manages the public comment process on behalf of GEC. Comments must be submitted by 11:59 pm ET on September 12th, 2022 using the NSF Online Workspace, available here. Instructions on submitting comments are provided on the NSF Online Workspace. To support openness and transparency, the NSF website displays all public comments and their resolution.    

GEC, along with NSF, will host a webinar on July 21, 11 am - 12:00 pm ET to provide an overview of the draft criteria, provide instructions on how to submit comments, and answer stakeholder questions. To sign up for the webinar, go to this REGISTRATION LINK.

For more information on the Reduction of Chemicals of Concern criteria, see the overview of Criteria Modules by Sustainability Impact. Please contact Rachel Simon (rsimon@gec.org) with questions.

Coming Soon: Public Comment on Draft Reduction of Chemicals of Concern Criteria

GEC’s draft Reduction of Chemicals of Concern criteria will be released for public comment on July 13th. The public comment period, open for 60 days, is an opportunity for all interested stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft criteria.  These criteria are one of 4 sustainability impact modules that will be applied across EPEAT product categories, starting in 2023. A notice will appear in these EPEAT Announcements and in the GEC Newsletter when the public comment period opens.

Upcoming Webinar: Draft Criteria on Reduction of Chemicals of Concern

Join this webinar on July 21, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm U.S. Eastern for an overview of the draft criteria for the Reduction of Chemicals of Concern, including the rationale for the criteria and the requirements. The webinar also will review the process for submitting public comments on the criteria.  REGISTRATION LINK

 Reduction of Chemicals of Concern Technical Committee

NSF International, the partner GEC selected to manage the voluntary consensus process for its sustainability impact modules, released the roster for the Technical Committee for the Reduction of Chemicals of Concern. The Technical Committee serves as the voluntary consensus body in the GEC Dynamic Criteria Development Process. GEC’s process requires balanced stakeholder representation including manufacturers, purchasers, government policy and sustainability advocates, and other industry in the electronics supply chain, as well as geographic and product representation. Two open seats remain on the Technical Committee for purchasers and ecolabel criteria users. If you are purchaser who is interested in actively supporting the development of this new criteria, please reach out to Greta Baragar (gbaragar@nsf.org).  

For more information on the Reduction of Chemicals of Concern criteria, see the overview of Criteria Modules by Sustainability Impact. Please contact Rachel Simon (rsimon@gec.org) with questions.

We’ve extended the deadline to apply for membership on the Technical Committee that will deliberate and approve the chemicals criteria for the EPEAT ecolabel until April 30, 2022. For more details, please see the Call for Participation. These criteria will be applied to all EPEAT ICT product categories beginning in mid-2023, including computers and displays, mobile phones, imaging equipment, servers, and televisions. GEC is partnering with NSF International, an organization with extensive expertise in managing voluntary consensus processes, to convene and manage the Technical Committee.

We are looking for diverse, global stakeholders to participate on the Technical Committee, including product manufacturers, government policy, purchasers, suppliers, not-for-profits, and other chemical experts. This Technical Committee is expected to begin its work in late Q2 and continue for up to 8 months. Technical Committee meetings will occur monthly via teleconference. Applications for Technical Committee membership are due by 11:59 pm U.S. Eastern Time on April 30, 2022.

Reduction of Chemicals of Concern is one of four criteria modules currently under development that will be applied across all EPEAT product categories. Other criteria modules include Climate Change Mitigation, Sustainable Use of Resources, and Corporate ESG Performance. See the overview of Criteria Modules by Sustainability Impact for more information on these criteria modules, GEC’s criteria development process, participation options, and anticipated schedule.

Questions about Technical Committee applications should be directed to Greta Baragar at NSF (GBaragar@NSF.org). If you have questions about the Reduction of Chemicals of Concern criteria or the criteria development process, please contact the GEC project lead, Rachel Simon (RSimon@gec.org).

GEC provides a quarterly update on the schedule for criteria development and implementation for EPEAT’s 4 sustainability impact modules. In 2023 these criteria will replace the existing criteria in EPEAT ICT product categories. This  quarter we’ve updated the EPEAT criteria implementation plan to reflect the current status of criteria development. The revised schedule in the GEC Criteria Modules by Sustainability Impacts Overview, page 5, shows the public launch of the EPEAT Registry with the new criteria in September 2023, followed by a 12-month transition period. During the transition period, the old criteria and the new sustainability impact criteria will be available for product conformance to EPEAT.

If you have any questions about EPEAT criteria development, the sustainability impact modules, or how to engage in the process, please contact CRITERIA@globalelectronicscouncil.org.

The Global Electronics Council (GEC) is developing criteria aimed at reducing toxic chemicals in electronic products and manufacturing processes, developing a deeper understanding of and increasing transparency on chemical used in electronics and the supply chain, and identifying safer alternatives to hazardous substances. These criteria will be applied to all EPEAT ICT product categories beginning in 2023, including computers and displays, mobile phones, imaging equipment, servers, and televisions. This Call for Participation is to notify stakeholders of the opportunity to participate on the multi-stakeholder Technical Committee that will deliberate and reach consensus on these sustainability leadership criteria. GEC is partnering with NSF International, an organization with extensive expertise in managing voluntary consensus processes, to convene and manage the Technical Committee.

We are looking for diverse, global stakeholders to participate on the Technical Committee, including product manufacturers, government policy, purchasers, suppliers, not-for-profits, and other chemical experts. This Technical Committee is expected to begin its work in late Q2 and continue for up to 8 months. Technical Committee meetings will occur monthly via teleconference. Applications for Technical Committee membership are due by 11:59 pm U.S. Eastern Time on April 23, 2022. See the Call for Participation for additional information on Technical Committee membership and application forms.

Reduction of Chemicals of Concern is one of four criteria modules currently under development that will be applied across all EPEAT product categories. Other criteria modules include Climate Change Mitigation, Sustainable Use of Resources, and Corporate ESG Performance. See the overview of Criteria Modules by Sustainability Impact for more information on these criteria modules, GEC’s criteria development process, participation options, and anticipated schedule.

Questions about Technical Committee applications should be directed to Greta Baragar at NSF (GBaragar@NSF.org). If you have questions about the Reduction of Chemicals of Concern criteria or the criteria development process, please contact the GEC project lead, Rachel Simon (RSimon@gec.org).

GEC is pleased to release its final State of Sustainability Research for Chemicals of Concern, which reflects stakeholder comments and data-supported recommendations submitted during the public consultation process. This State of Sustainability Research serves as the scientific, evidenced-based foundation for EPEAT criteria development.

The research identifies the human and environmental health impacts of chemicals of concern across the life cycle of ICT products and strategies to reduce these impacts The research identifies strategies to reduce chemicals of concern through understanding the chemical used within products and processes, determining the health impacts of chemicals, preventing the use of know toxic chemicals, and identifying safer alternatives. Finally, this research recommends criteria for the EPEAT ecolabel, based on the science and evidence presented in this State of Sustainability Research.

GEC is now convening Expert Ad Hoc Groups to review and draft criteria for chemicals of concern. Expert Ad Hoc Groups will meet over 8 to 12 weeks beginning in March 2022. The following Expert Ad Hoc Groups are being formed: Management of Substances Used in Product, Substance Inventory & Transparency, Alternatives Assessment for Chemicals of Concern, and Safer Manufacturing Chemicals. Stakeholders interested in participating in criteria development are encouraged to contact Criteria@globalelectronicscouncil.org.

The State of Sustainability Research for Chemicals of Concern is the third of four analyses supporting GEC’s initiative to develop modular criteria that will apply across all EPEAT product categories. In April 2021 GEC issued State of Sustainability Research for Climate Change Mitigation, and in December 2021 GEC issued its State of Sustainability Research for Sustainable Use of Resources. In 2022 GEC will issue State of Sustainability Research for Corporate ESG Performance. 

Please contact Rachel Simon (rsimon@gec.org) with any questions.  

GEC provides a quarterly update on the schedule for criteria development and implementation for EPEAT’s 4 sustainability impact modules. In 2023 these criteria will replace the existing criteria in EPEAT ICT product categories. The schedule in the attached update of the GEC Criteria Modules by Sustainability Impacts Overview, now includes a schedule for product-specific criteria.  

If you have any questions about EPEAT criteria development, the sustainability impact modules, or how to engage in the process, please contact CRITERIA@globalelectronicscouncil.org.

The deadline for comments on GEC’s State of Sustainability Research on Chemicals of Concern is extended until 11:59 PST January 7, 2022. GEC welcomes stakeholder review and comments submitted using the Public Comment Form via e-mail to CRITERIA@globalelectronicscouncil.org.

This research examines the human health and environmental impacts associated with chemicals within and for the manufacturing of ICT products, then takes a systematic look at strategies to reduce the impact of chemicals and the potential to realize a shift to safer, more sustainable substances in electronics and its supply chain.

While all comments are welcome, we’re particularly interested in:

• Identification of additional information and data on chemicals of concern relevant to ICT products;
• Recommendation for additional mitigation strategies and best practices leading to demonstrable impact reductions;
• Errors and omissions in the analyses and criteria recommendations; and
• Affirmative feedback (e.g., if priority sustainability impacts are identified and adequately addressed).

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

GEC invites stakeholders to participate in the technical review and drafting of criteria for the upcoming EPEAT sustainability impact module for Chemicals of Concern.

Below is a list of Expert Ad Hoc Groups that GEC is currently forming and the criteria topics they will address.

1.    Management of substances used in product – assessing and controlling chemicals of concern.

2.    Substance inventory & transparency – reporting of chemicals within products is to inform responsible supply chain management.

3.    Alternatives assessment for chemicals of concern & public disclosure –identifying, assessing, and making informed risk-based toxicological determination of the acceptability of use of materials and chemicals to replace high hazard chemicals with safer alternatives.

4.    Safer manufacturing chemicals -replacing high hazard cleaners and degreasers with safer alternatives.

Expert Ad Hoc Groups will review and provide technical feedback on draft criteria and definitions. The work of the Ad Hoc Groups will start in January 2022 and are expected to continue for 8-12 weeks. The Groups will meet by teleconference and provide offline review and comment on drafts.

Stakeholders with expertise in the Ad Hoc topics are encouraged to participate, including, but not limited to, manufacturers, government policy, purchasers, non-governmental organizations, academics, and component and material suppliers.

If you have expertise in any of these topics, please send an email to CRITERIA@globalelectronicscouncil.org by December 17, 2021. Please identify the Ad Hoc Group(s) that you are interested in from the above list and provide a brief summary of your background and experience with the topic.

Please contact the project lead, Rachel Simon (rsimon@globalelectronicscouncil.org) with any questions.

Deadline extended to January 7, 2022, 11:59 pm PST

Today GEC releases its draft State of Sustainability Research on Chemicals of Concern for a 30-day public comment period. This Research, which will guide upcoming EPEAT criteria development, examines the human health and environmental impacts associated with chemicals within and for the manufacturing of ICT products, then takes a systematic look at strategies to reduce the impact of chemicals and the potential to realize a shift to safer, more sustainable substances in electronics and its supply chain.

GEC welcomes stakeholder review and comments on this State of Sustainability Research. Comments must be submitted using the Public Comment Form and submitting it via e-mail to CRITERIA@globalelectronicscouncil.org no later than 11:59 PST on December 10, 2021.

 GEC invites stakeholder review of this State of Sustainability Research and submission of comments, including:

• Identification of additional information and data on chemicals of concern relevant to ICT products;
• Recommendation for additional mitigation strategies and best practices leading to demonstrable impact reductions;
• Errors and omissions in the analyses and criteria recommendations; and
• Affirmative feedback (e.g., if priority sustainability impacts are identified and adequately addressed).

This State of Sustainability Research is part of GEC process to revise criteria across all EPEAT product categories, focusing on 4 sustainability impact areas. See the overview of Criteria Modules by Sustainability Impact for more details on GEC’s criteria development process and anticipated schedule.

Questions regarding this notice may be directed to the project lead, Rachel Simon, Senior Manager Technology Assessment and Resource Development.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

At the request of stakeholders, GEC will provide a quarterly update on the schedule for criteria development for the 4 sustainability impact modules. The schedule in the attached update of the GEC Criteria Modules by Sustainability Impacts Overview, reflects the current public comment period for Climate Change Mitigation criteria (closes December 7) and the upcoming public comment period for the State of Sustainability Research for Chemicals of Concern (opens November 10). We’ve also now included in this overview document the proposed implementation schedule for the sustainability impact modules that was previously shared on public webinars.  

If you have any questions about EPEAT criteria development, the sustainability impact modules, or how to engage in the process, please contact CRITERIA@globalelectronicscouncil.org.

Earlier this year, GEC launched a multi-year initiative to revise its EPEAT criteria to align with sustainability impacts of electronic products and their supply chains, including Climate Change Mitigation, Sustainable Use of Resources (or Circularity), Reduction of Chemicals of Concern, and Corporate ESG Performance. When complete, these “modular” criteria will be applied across all EPEAT product categories, including computers and displays, mobile phones, imaging equipment, servers, televisions and network equipment. This GEC Criteria Modules by Sustainability Impacts Overview includes a summary of the criteria development process, opportunities to engage, and an update on the anticipated project implementation schedule. Stakeholders are encouraged to send questions to CRITERIA@globalelectronicscouncil.org.