Responsible electronics stewardship: A guide to purchasing and recycling equipment that makes the grade

Energy costs represent a typical school district’s second largest operating expense after salaries—more than the cost of computers and textbooks combined, according to the EPA. Using ENERGY STAR rated electronics in your facilities can reduce energy use, save money and protect the environment. For instance, the EPA estimates that if all computers sold in the United States met ENERGY STAR guidelines, the savings in energy costs would grow to $1.8 billion each year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from more than 2 million vehicles.

The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, or EPEAT, is another product certification that looks beyond energy consumption to additional environmental aspects of electronics. Launched in 2006 and managed by the Green Electronics Council, the registry currently lists computer desktops, laptops, notebooks, workstations and displays that meet the requirements of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1680 family of Environmental Assessment Standards. This year, EPEAT will release product standards developed through the IEEE that cover imaging equipment and televisions.

EPEAT-registered products meet strict environmental criteria—from fewer toxins used in manufacturing to efficient operation and easier recycling. EPEAT-registered products offer a reduced environmental impact across their life cycles. Products are measured against both required and optional criteria. A product must meet all required criteria in its category to be added to the registry. Search terms such as “mercury elimination” or “recycled content” can be used to explore EPEAT’s database to identify products that meet specific requirements.

Whether you opt to use ENERGY STAR or EPEAT to help guide your purchasing decisions, look for these product attributes when evaluating electronics:

Lower levels of lead, mercury and other heavy metals, as well as beryllium, brominated flame retardants, and polyvinyl chloride to decrease health and safety risks during processing for reuse and recycling;
Increased use of renewable or recycled materials, which relieves pressure on nonrenewable resources;
Upgradable, reusable or recyclable components;
Manufactured with a smaller number of plastics that can be easily disassembled for parts recovery and material separation to facilitate recycling;
Reduced packaging, which decreases resource consumption and carbon emissions from shipping; and
Participation in take-back programs that make manufacturer’s responsible for proper disposal.

Reusable + upgradable = sustainable

Electronics with more environmentally sustainable designs reduces their carbon footprint, extends their usable life, and makes them simpler and safer to initially reuse and ultimately recycle.

Equipment that meets these specifications will often feature modular designs that make hardware installation and memory upgrades simple. Steer clear of electronics that require special tools for removing or replacing batteries or parts. Choose instead equipment assembled with latches, or snap construction that allow for quick access to internal components and can be readily repaired or upgraded. These attributes extend a device’s average lifespan

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