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.

GEC is adding a Conformity Guidance Group meeting on August 29, 2024, to address additional questions raised before the scheduled September meeting.

 During this meeting, we will discuss the following meeting topics:

• Climate Change Mitigation 4.6.1: Product listing on ENERGY STAR Website at Time of Criterion Selection
• Definition of Initial Service Provider in Imaging Equipment and Televisions
• Severs 11.1.2: Take-back service for deinstalled servers when new servers are leased as opposed to sold

If you’re interested in attending, please register below. As this is an additional meeting to our regularly scheduled monthly CGG meetings, stakeholders must register for this meeting specifically if they wish to attend. Additional timeslots will be added upon request.

August 29, 2024: 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 will be holding a Conformity Guidance Group meeting on August 8, 2024. During this meeting, we will discuss the following meeting topic:

·        Acceptability of ISO 14083 to Demonstrate Conformance to Computers and Displays Criterion 4.8.2.2 and Climate Change Mitigation Criterion 4.1.3

This topic will be discussed in addition to the previously announced topic: Scope of Priority Component Manufacturing.

If you’re interested in attending, please register below. Additional timeslots will be added upon request.

August 8, 2024: 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 will be holding a Conformity Guidance Group meeting on August 8, 2024. During this meeting, we will discuss the following meeting topic:

·        Scope of Priority Component Manufacturing

If you’re interested in attending, please register below. Additional timeslots will be added upon request.

August 8, 2024: 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.

In September 2023, GEC launched the EPEAT Climate+ designation to catalyze and accelerate change in the electronics industry by connecting forward-thinking electronics brands with carbon-conscious purchasers. To obtain the EPEAT Climate+ designation, Participating Manufacturers must work with GEC-approved conformity assurance bodies to prove conformance with the requirements for EPEAT Climate+.

GEC is undertaking a multi-year initiative to update EPEAT Criteria to address priority sustainability impact areas – climate, circularity (sustainable use of resources), reduction of chemicals of concern, and responsible supply chains. The Climate Criteria were published in May 2023, and development for the other impact areas is still underway. The updated criteria from all impact areas will be activated on November 1, 2025, when products meeting the updated criteria will begin to appear on the Registry.Given the strong demand for EPEAT Climate+ designated products and significant manufacturer interest in EPEAT Climate+ to date, GEC is committed to making the designation available beyond November 1, 2025. However, to continue to raise the bar and catalyze climate action in the electronics industry, the requirements for obtaining the Climate+ designation beyond November 2025 need to evolve.

To this end, GEC hosted a stakeholder webinar to propose options and obtain feedback regarding updated requirements for the Climate+ designation that would take effect November 1, 2025. For a copy of the presentation materials, please email EPEAT@gec.org. 

GEC is currently accepting stakeholder feedback until June 14, 2024 and plans to release its final plan regarding Climate+ requirements that will take effect on November 1, 2025 soon thereafter. Please submit feedback to EPEAT@gec.org.

GEC will be holding a Conformity Guidance Group meeting on May 9, 2024. During this meeting, we will discuss the following meeting topic:

·        Equivalency of 2019 IPCC Tier 2c to Other IPCC Tiers Identified in Computers and Displays Criteria 4.1.10.1 and 4.1.10.2

If you’re interested in attending, please register below. Additional timeslots will be added upon request.

May 9, 2024: 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.

In September 2023, GEC launched the EPEAT Climate+TM designation to catalyze and accelerate change in the electronics industry by connecting forward-thinking electronics brands with carbon-conscious purchasers. To obtain the EPEAT Climate+ designation, Participating Manufacturers must work with GEC-approved conformity assurance bodies to prove conformance with the requirements for EPEAT Climate+.

GEC is undertaking a multi-year initiative to update EPEAT Criteria to address priority sustainability impact areas – climate, circularity (sustainable use of resources), reduction of chemicals of concern, and responsible supply chains. The Climate Criteria were published in May 2023, and development for the other impact areas is still underway. The updated criteria from all impact areas will be activated on November 1, 2025, when products meeting the updated criteria will begin to appear on the Registry.Given the strong demand for EPEAT Climate+ designated products and significant manufacturer interest in EPEAT Climate+ to date, GEC is committed to making the designation available beyond November 1, 2025. However, to continue to raise the bar and catalyze climate action in the electronics industry, the requirements for obtaining the Climate+ designation beyond November 2025 need to evolve.

To this end, GEC is hosting a stakeholder webinar to propose options and obtain feedback regarding updated requirements for the Climate+ designation that would take effect November 1, 2025. Stakeholders will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback during the webinar, and/or submit written feedback after the webinar. In June 2024, GEC plans to release its final plan regarding Climate+ requirements that will take effect on November 1, 2025.

To accommodate worldwide locations, we have scheduled three times for the webinar – note that the same topics will be discussed in each call.
Registration is required for the webinar —please use the registration links below to sign up.
 

Please direct any questions to epeat@gec.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.

In addition to Large Network Equipment – Criterion 6.4.1 for Energy Star, EPEAT will also discuss Climate Change Mitigation 4.4.1, 4.4.2 and 4.4.3: Acceptable Renewable Electricity Standards.

If you’re interested in attending, please register below. Additional timeslots will be added upon request.

October 12, 2023: 7am Pacific/10am Eastern/4pm Germany/10pm China

Initial EPEAT Climate+ Designated Products Leading the Race for Electronics with Lower Climate Impacts

GEC is thrilled to announce the listing of the first EPEAT® Climate+ designated products. Climate+ is a new product designation meant to connect forward-thinking electronics brands with carbon-conscious purchasers. Climate+ designated products will empower organizations to drive change through a progressive set of criteria focused on increased transparency, goal setting and concrete corporate actions to decarbonize the supply chain. In addition, public and third-party verified product GHG disclosures will ease the challenge of procurement related Scope-3 emissions tracking and decision making.

As the world seeks new and innovative ways to address the urgent climate crisis, those on both the supply and demand side of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector can leverage this new offering immediately. Climate+ designated products are now available as a proactive means to combat this urgent issue, taking the EPEAT system to the next solution level.  GEC expects the number of products with this designation to grow substantially in the coming months from the already impressive initial offerings.

Climate+ designated products meet evolved new requirements developed in a multi-stakeholder process meant to reduce their lifecycle carbon, potentially years ahead of the rest of the market. The products set themselves apart on the EPEAT Registry because of these climate change mitigation measures. Purchasers can easily identify these products with this new designation on the public-facing registry.

Bob Mitchell, CEO of GEC, emphasizes, “EPEAT Climate+ isn’t just a product distinction; it’s a catalyst for change in the electronics industry. Our goal is to amplify the market for electronics that are purposefully designed and built with greenhouse gas reduction in mind by companies that prioritize climate action. By equipping individuals and organizations with valuable insights into what constitutes a climate-conscious product, EPEAT Climate+ provides a simple way to collectively recognize and mitigate carbon emissions in the lifecycle of electronics.”

In addition to verified product GHG disclosures, manufacturers seeking Climate+ designation must also demonstrate their commitment to several other critical requirements. These include energy-efficient upstream manufacturing, GHG reduction targets, renewable energy sourcing, and product energy efficiency standards. These comprehensive criteria are specifically designed to track and, where possible, reduce GHG emissions throughout the entire product lifecycle – from material mining and assembly to use and disposal.

Climate+ offers a unique opportunity for both electronics brands and purchasers to take immediate action years ahead of the criteria becoming a requirement for all EPEAT registered products. Climate+ gives electronics brands a new opportunity to stand out as an EPEAT Climate+ Champion. Purchasers and other stakeholders can commit to furthering impacts by signing the GEC Climate+ Pledge as either a Climate+ Purchasing Leader or a Climate+ Purchasing Advocate.

To learn more about Climate+, the GEC Climate+ Pledge, requirements for product manufacturing and more, visit globalelectronicscouncil.org/climateplus/ or contact 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.

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 will be holding a Conformity Guidance Group meeting on September 14, 2023. During this meeting, we will discuss the following meeting topic:

• Climate Change Mitigation – 4.6.3 Required – Battery charger system energy efficiency - Multiple Configurations for Battery Charger Systems
• More topics may be added upon request.

If you’re interested in attending, please register below. Additional timeslots will be added upon request.

September 14, 2023: 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.

A New Way to Gain Recognition in the Fight Against Climate Change

7:00 PST  •  10:00 EST  •  16:00 CEST  •  20:00 CST

Manufacturer Signup

Promote your commitment to addressing climate change as an early adopter of the new EPEAT Climate Criteria under EPEAT Climate+. EPEAT is launching this new opportunity to help companies become industry champions in reducing the climate impact of electronics products.

Join us for a special manufacturer-only virtual event on August 10 to learn more about Climate+. During this special event, we’ll cover a broad range of topics including:

• What is Climate+
• How products can attain the Climate+ designation
• What you need to do to attain Climate+
• How Climate+ will be reflected in the EPEAT Registry
• Why should brands pursue Climate+
• How Climate+ will be communicated & promoted in the marketplace

We will also give registrants an opportunity to ask any questions that they may have. Members of EPEAT Participating Manufacturers or prospective manufacturers may register at this link or at the signup link above. Participants will also receive a recording at the conclusion of the meeting by signing up at either link.

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

The EPEAT Program has cancelled the June 15/July 16 2023, Conformity Guidance Group meeting and will discuss the planned topic of Climate Change Mitigation 4.4.1 and Accepted Renewable Electricity Standards during the July 13/July 14 2023, meeting.

A second timeslot has been added to the July meeting. Stakeholders can register for the July meeting using the following registration links:

Timeslot 1: July 10, 2023: 6pm Pacific/9pm Eastern/ July 11, 2023: 9am China/10am Japan

Timeslot 2: July 13, 2023: 7am Pacific/10am Eastern/4pm Germany/10pm China

The same information will be discussed in both meetings, even though they are on different days.

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 

The Global Electronics Council (GEC) today released updated Criteria for its EPEAT ecolabel that will help organizations identify electronics with lower climate impacts. These Climate Criteria establish requirements that reduce greenhouse gas emissions of common office technology, including contributing to the complex issue of supply chain decarbonization and Scope 3 emission reductions.

The EPEAT Climate Criteria will be integrated across EPEAT product categories, providing new and more stringent requirements in line with the sustainability goals of leading organizations.

“We must acknowledge that the lifecycle of technology products is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,” explained Bob Mitchell, CEO of GEC. “In order to sit squarely in the solution space of the climate crisis, technology companies, purchasers and other stakeholders must be able to make fact-based decisions on building and purchasing low-carbon products. This is where the EPEAT Climate Criteria come in.”

The Climate Criteria consist of updated requirements for GHG public disclosure, science-based GHG targets, use of renewable energy, and energy use reduction within the supply chain and during a product’s use. They will make it easier to find electronics with lower climate impacts throughout the entire product lifecycle, from material mining through manufacture, use, and disposal.

“We welcome the increased focus on reducing greenhouse gases in the electronics supply chain by the EPEAT ecolabel, which is used across the California Department of General Services (DGS) for office electronics,” explained Ana M. Lasso, DGS Director. “EPEAT’s focus on decarbonizing the supply chain and promoting the use of renewable energy aligns with recent internal initiatives and contributes to our sustainability goals.”

EPEAT-registered products will be required to meet these Climate Criteria by the end of 2025. However, manufacturers can begin working towards these criteria immediately and will have the opportunity to demonstrate early adoption through the EPEAT Registry before the end of this year. Please visit globalelectronicscouncil.org/climate-criteria/ or contact epeat@gec.org to learn more about the Climate Criteria and how they fit among the full set of Updated EPEAT Criteria.

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. The priority sustainability impact areas include Climate Change Mitigation, Sustainable Use of Resources (or Circularity), Reduction of Chemicals of Concern, and Corporate ESG Performance.

In January 2023, GEC released an Implementation Plan for Updated EPEAT Criteria to guide the transition process. The plan identifies March 30, 2023, as the estimated publication date for the Climate Change Mitigation Criteria. This announcement is to inform stakeholders that the publication of the criteria is slightly delayed. GEC develops criteria using a voluntary consensus process, which requires the Technical Committee to consider all views and reach general agreement, which we believe is fundamentally important to ensuring the development of credible criteria. For the Climate Change Mitigation Criteria, the process was extended in order to reach the highest possible level of agreement among our diverse stakeholders.

GEC intends to publish the Climate Change Mitigation Criteria in May 2023 and will update the Implementation Plan for Updated EPEAT Criteria accordingly.

Please note that the Implementation Plan identifies several firm deadlines that will not change, regardless of any delays in the publication of criteria—these firm deadlines will not be revised. However, some key dates pertaining to the Climate Change Early Adopter Concept (such as the release of training and resource materials), will be updated.

GEC will publish another newsletter announcement when a revised Implementation Plan for Updated Criteria is available.

Please direct any questions to 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 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 invites stakeholders to participate in the review and drafting of proposed criteria for product specific energy efficiency criteria. These criteria would be supplemental to the existing product energy efficiency criteria in the Draft Climate Change Mitigation criteria document.  GEC’s State of Sustainability Research for Climate Change Mitigation serves as the science-based foundation for this work.

GEC will convene an Expert Ad Hoc Group to review criteria proposed for computers & displays, servers and TVs. Based on available data, GEC is not proposing additional product specific energy efficiency criteria for mobile phones and imaging equipment but welcomes stakeholder technical input for these product categories as well.

Expert Ad Hoc Group(s) will review, provide feedback, and make recommendations on draft criteria and definitions. The work of the Expert Ad Hoc Group(s) will start in September 2022 and is expected to continue for 6-8 weeks. The Group(s) will meet by teleconference and provide offline review and comment on drafts. Stakeholders with relevant expertise are encouraged to participate, including, but not limited to, manufacturers, government policy, purchasers, non-governmental organizations, academics, and component and material suppliers.

If you are interested in participating in this Expert Ad Hoc Group, please send an email to CRITERIA@globalelectronicscouncil.org by September 16, 2022. Please also provide a brief summary of your background and experience with the topic.

Please contact the project lead, Erica Logan (elogan@globalelectronicscouncil.org) with any questions.

GEC’s draft Climate Change Mitigation criteria for the EPEAT ecolabel are now available for public comment. This 2nd public consultation period will be open for 30 days and limited in scope to those revisions proposed by the Technical Committee since the initial public consultation.

NSF International manages the public comment process on behalf of GEC. Comments must be submitted by 11:59 pm ET on September 30, 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.    

These Climate Change Mitigation criteria are one of 4 sustainability impact modules that will be applied across EPEAT product categories. For more information on the revision of EPEAT criteria, see the overview of Criteria Modules by Sustainability Impact.

 Please contact Criteria@globalelectronicscouncil.org with questions.

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.

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.

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.

At the request of stakeholders, GEC proposed a revision to its GEC Criteria Development Policy (P74) that will add the opportunity for stakeholders to participate as Observers in criteria development Technical Committees, which are the voluntary consensus bodies for EPEAT criteria. The public comment period on the proposed revision to the GEC Criteria Development Policy closes on December 17, 2021. Provided the proposed revision receives favorable public comments, GEC plans to expedite implementation of the proposed Observer policy, effective January 17, 2021. This will allow interested stakeholders to participate as Observers in the first substantive meeting of the Technical Committee for Climate Change Mitigation.

In its policy, GEC establishes general parameters for the operation of Technical Committees to ensure that the criteria development process is open and transparent to all interested organizations, while also fostering meaningful dialogue and the exchange of perspectives among stakeholder interest groups. Per the proposed policy revision, Observer status allows individuals to attend Technical Committee meetings and receive documents provided to the Technical Committee, such as meeting agendas and updates to the Full Draft Criteria Document. Technical Committee Observers may only observe meeting discussions, unless invited by the Technical Committee Chair to contribute to the meeting. Stakeholders must apply for Observer status and sign an Observer Agreement before receiving Technical Committee documents or attending meetings. Technical Committee Observers are limited to one representative from an organization. Organizations that have a representative with Technical Committee Member status are not eligible to have a Technical Committee Observer. The names and affiliations of all Technical Committee Observers are publicly available. See the proposed revisions for additional information.

In anticipation of this change, NSF International, GEC’s partner organization for criteria development, will be accepting applications from stakeholders that are interested in becoming Observers in active Technical Committees. Active Technical Committees currently include 1) Climate Change Mitigation, and 2) Health and Wellness Wearable Electronic Devices.  Interested stakeholders should contact Greta Baragar (GBarager@NSF.org) to apply for Observer status. Please include in your correspondence the organization that you represent and which of the above Technical Committees you are interested in joining as an Observer. NSF will provide Observer Agreement that must be completed before granting Observer status. 

For all other queries about EPEAT criteria development, please contact CRITERIA@globalelectronicscouncil.org.

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.

Today GEC releases its draft Climate Change Mitigation 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 Climate Change Mitigation 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 December 6, 2021 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 October 13, 11 am - 12:30 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 Climate Change Mitigation criteria, see the overview of Criteria Modules by Sustainability Impact. Please contact Criteria@globalelectronicscouncil.org with questions.

Coming Soon: Public Comment on Draft Climate Change Mitigation Criteria

GEC’s draft Climate Change Mitigation criteria will be released for public comment in the first week of October. The public comment period, open for 60 days, is an opportunity for all interested stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft criteria.  A notice will appear in these EPEAT Announcements and in the GEC Newsletter when the public comment period opens.

Upcoming Webinar: Draft Criteria on Climate Change Mitigation

Join this webinar on October 13, 11:00 am -12:30 pm Eastern for an overview of the draft criteria for Climate Change Mitigation, 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

Climate Change Mitigation 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 Climate Change Mitigation. 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. 

For more information on the Climate Change Mitigation criteria, see the overview of Criteria Modules by Sustainability Impact. Please contact Criteria@globalelectronicscouncil.org with questions.

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.

Technical Committee launching for Climate Change Mitigation criteria for EPEAT ecolabel – now is your opportunity to get involved!

The Global Electronics Council (GEC) is developing criteria to address climate change impacts throughout the life cycle of electronic products. These criteria will initially be leveraged across  EPEAT ICT product categories, 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 evaluate and reach consensus on sustainability leadership criteria to reduce climate change impacts. GEC is partnering with NSF International, an organization with extensive expertise in managing voluntary consensus processes, to convene and manage the Technical Committee.

The criteria will address best practices for mitigating climate change impacts, inclusive of criteria to address embodied carbon in the supply chain through manufacturing energy efficiency and renewable electricity sourcing, product energy efficiency, reduction of high global warming potential chemicals in manufacturing, carbon footprint analysis to identify product-specific hot spots, and manufacturer carbon reduction goals aligned with climate science.

See the Call for Participation for information on how to participate in the Technical Committee. Applications for Technical Committee membership are due by midnight ET on July 16, 2021. 

If you have questions about the Climate Change criteria or the criteria development process, please send an email to: Criteria@GlobalElectronicsCouncil.org.

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

The research identifies priority contributors to climate change across the life cycle of ICT products and strategies to reduce these impacts. It critically analyzes greenhouse gas emissions resulting from component and manufacturing processes, as well as the contributions of product use for diverse electronic devices. Given the drivers of greenhouse gas emissions, the research proposes strategies to reduce emissions, which translate into proposed performance criteria.

GEC is now convening Expert Ad Hoc Groups to review and draft criteria for climate change mitigation. Stakeholders interested in participating in criteria development are encouraged to contact Criteria@globalelectronicscouncil.org.

The State of Sustainability Research for Climate Change Mitigation is the first of four analyses supporting GEC’s initiative to develop modular criteria that will apply across all EPEAT product categories. In 2021 GEC will release additional State of Sustainability Research to support modular criteria for its three other priority impact areas: sustainable use of resources, reduction of chemicals of concern, and corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.

Please contact Erica Logan (elogan@globalelectronicscouncil.org) with any questions.  

On setting carbon reduction goals in alignment with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)

GEC thanks stakeholders for providing comments on our State of Sustainability Research (SOSR) report for Climate Change Mitigation. As a result of comments received, GEC would like to convene experts to develop criteria on setting SBTi-based carbon reduction goals for manufacturers and their supply chains. SBTi criteria development will either be added to an existing Expert Ad Hoc Group or an additional group formed.

Stakeholders interested in providing expert input on setting SBTi aligned goals are asked to notify GEC by sending an email to CRITERIA@globalelectronicscouncil.org by June 2, 2021.

Stakeholders who previously expressed interest in participating in Expert Ad Hoc Groups for Climate Change Mitigation will receive meeting scheduling information soon.

Please contact Erica Logan (elogan@globalelectronicscouncil.org) with any questions.

GEC invites stakeholders to participate in the review and drafting of criteria for the upcoming EPEAT sustainability impact module for Climate Change Mitigation.

Below is a list of Ad Hoc Groups that GEC is currently forming:

• Conducting life cycle GHG emission assessments;
• Implementing energy efficiency measures in product and component manufacturing to reduce embodied carbon;
• Sourcing electricity from renewable energy sources for manufacture of product and components to reduce embodied carbon;
• Reducing use of high global warming potential chemicals in component manufacturing; and
• Product energy efficiency.

Ad Hoc Groups will review, provide feedback, and make recommendations on draft criteria and definitions. The work of the Ad Hoc Groups will start in June 2021 and are expected to continue for 8-10 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 and haven’t already notified us of your interest in participating, please send an email to CRITERIA@globalelectronicscouncil.org by May 19, 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, Erica Logan (elogan@globalelectronicscouncil.org) with any questions.

GEC invites stakeholders to comment on its State of Sustainability Research on Climate Change Mitigation for ICT products, including:

• Identification of additional lifecycle analyses and data on climate change impacts;
• Mitigation strategies and best practices leading to demonstrable impact reduction;
• Errors, omissions, and affirmative feedback (e.g., if priority sustainability impacts are adequately addressed)

This SOSR will serve as the scientific basis for development of EPEAT sustainability performance criteria.

Comments must be submitted by May 7, 2021 using the attached SOSR Public Comment Form and submitting it via e-mail to CRITERIA@globalelectronicscouncil.org by May 7, 2021 .

Read more about climate change criteria development.