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.