What is EPEAT?

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EPEAT, which stands for (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool), is the leading global ecolabel for the IT sector. Originally created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), EPEAT is now managed by the Global Electronics Council (GEC). It provides a comprehensive, independent rating system that helps purchasers evaluate, compare, and select electronic products based on their environmental attributes.

What does EPEAT certified mean?

EPEAT certification signifies that a product has been rigorously assessed against a set of stringent environmental criteria. This certification covers the full product lifecycle- from design and manufacturing to energy use. Importantly, EPEAT takes an integrated approach to sustainability; it does not just evaluate the product itself, but also the manufacturers' corporate responsibility and the practices of their suppliers.

Furthermore, EPEAT certification is a requirement for many organizations, as U.S. government agencies often mandate EPEAT- registered products for their procurement needs. To be “EPEAT certified”, manufacturers must provide detailed, verified evidence of compliance. This data is audited by an independent GEC-approved Conformity Assurance Body (CAB) before a product can be officially listed on the registry..

What are the requirements for EPEAT certification?

To become EPEAT certified, products must meet a comprehensive set of environmental criteria across the product's entire lifecycle. These required criteria address key areas of sustainability, ensuring a holistic approach.

The main categories of EPEAT requirements include:

Materials Selection: Reducing or eliminating the use of environmentally sensitive materials. Incorporating the use of recycled or bio-based materials.
Supply Chain Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction: Promoting transparency and reduction of carbon emissions during production.
Design for Circularity: Modular design which enables ease of disassembly
Product Longevity: Encouraging repairability and upgradability to extend product life.
Energy Conservation: Meeting the latest Energy Star and U.S. Department of Energy standards. These standards are periodically updated for each product category.
Corporate Performance: Evaluating the manufacturer's own corporate responsibility and environmental policies.

What are the different EPEAT certification levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold)?

The EPEAT ecolabel uses a tiered rating system—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—to indicate how far a product has gone in meeting the environmental performance criteria. This system allows purchasers to quickly understand a product's level of sustainability.

All products in the EPEAT registry must meet all the required criteria to achieve the bronze rating. This is the baseline for EPEAT certification. To achieve a higher rating, manufacturers must meet additional optional criteria.

Certification Level:

EPEAT Bronze: The product meets all the required EPEAT criteria for its category. This is the minimum standard for certification.
EPEAT Silver: The product meets all required criteria plus at least 50% of the available optional EPEAT criteria.
EPEAT Gold: The product meets all required criteria plus at least 75% of the available optional EPEAT criteria. This is the highest level of certification.

What types of products can be EPEAT certified?

The EPEAT ecolabel covers a broad spectrum of technology products, from data center equipment to end-user devices. The registry includes key categories such as mobile phones, computers and displays, and a diverse range of imaging equipment.

Where can EPEAT-registered products be found?

Ultimately, a commitment to sustainability moves from an abstract goal to a measurable reality through the technology chosen for deployment. The official EPEAT Registry serves as the definitive bridge between intention and action, providing a transparent and authoritative platform to validate a manufacturer's claims. This powerful tool enables decision-makers to cut through market noise and make data-driven procurement decisions. It allows organizations to verify not just individual products, but the holistic commitment of a potential technology partner. By filtering by manufacturer, procurement leaders can assess the breadth and depth of a company's dedication to environmental standards.

A practical application of this is to review a complete portfolio of certified enterprise devices. Such a review allows for a firsthand observation of what a true, top-to-bottom commitment to sustainability and enterprise-grade performance entails. This process transforms the selection of a product into the strategic choice of a partner invested in building a more responsible and sustainable future.

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