The updated Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool program criteria focuses on environmental and human rights requirements, such as transparent supply chains. | Chayanuphol/Shutterstock
The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool program rolled out new criteria for sustainable electronics, increasing focus on environmental and human rights requirements.
The EPEAT program is managed by the nonprofit Green Electronics Council, based in Portland, Oregon. The registry of environmentally friendly electronics was created in 2006 and has undergone several expansions and updates over the years.
The new criteria will take effect Nov. 1. Bob Mitchell, CEO of GEC, said in a press release that EPEAT is now “providing the most comprehensive approach yet to accelerate the international market for sustainable electronics.”
“These criteria address critical environmental and social challenges, from emissions reduction to supply chain labor practices, empowering both the industry and purchasers to make informed, responsible choices that benefit all stakeholders,” he added.
Under the program, manufacturers can register products to different levels based on how well they meet required and optional criteria across the products’ lifecycle, including design, production, energy use, recycling and repairability.
Bronze-rated products meet all baseline required criteria, while silver-rated products meet all of the required criteria plus at least 50% of the optional criteria. Gold-rated products have to meet all of the baseline criteria and at least 75% of the optional criteria.
This latest round of updates caps a multi-year effort “to advance sustainability across the lifecycle of electronic products,” according to the press release, and “cements EPEAT as the definitive global electronics ecolabel, helping thousands of purchasers significantly reduce costs while safeguarding human and environmental well-being.”
Changes include ensuring that electronics have reduced greenhouse gas emissions and cost savings through supply chain decarbonization, product energy efficiency and other methods. The updated criteria also prioritize the use of recycled materials, device repairability and companies with responsible end-of-life management systems in place.
To be listed, devices must also reduce the use of hazardous substances and have clear supply chain transparency, including responsible mineral sourcing in international electronics supply chains.