EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) was developed by the American Environmental Protection Agency in conjunction with representatives of the IT industry, the waste disposal industry and environmental protectionists. It is organized by the non-profit organization Green Electronic Council (GEC). EPEAT is based on the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1680 series of standards, which defines three main principles: Firstly, it lays down a central product registration, which allows buyers to quickly find environmentally friendly equipment. It also requires verification procedures to guarantee the credibility of the product register, as well as a network of institutions to test the products and confirm their compliance with the EPEAT requirements.
To make the VDE Institute become a part of this network the Chairman of the Management Board of the Institute, Wilfried Jäger states that this "is an important strategic step for the future." In particular, the high quality of the VDE laboratories was a decisive factor for the inquiry by the GEC. All of the necessary tests can be carried out there on account of the years of experience and specialization in this topic. The VDE chemical laboratory is one of the first in the world to be accredited in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 with respect to the global RoHS test standard IEC 62321, and has made substantial contributions towards the standardization of this IEC test procedure.
Energy efficiency measurements also played an important role. These can also be conducted in the VDE Institute. Highly accurate measuring results can be achieved using ultra-modern measuring instruments and a low-distortion power supply. The EPEAT guidelines for energy consumption correspond with the criteria for the Energy Star Label for information technology equipment. In the past it was already possible to use the test documents of the VDE Institute to apply for the label. It is also an approved body in accordance with the Energy-using Products Act (EBPG).
Manufacturers who register their products with EPEAT manufacture their products in an environmentally friendly process. The criteria were defined by the manufacturers within the framework of a self-commitment for a "clean environment". They include limits for toxic substances, environmental regulations for the manufacturing process, energy efficiency requirements as well as conditions for recycling. The mandatory requirements include for example RoHS conformity, the exact designation of the materials used, or regulations governing the returning of such materials. If the device meets the minimum criteria, it is included in the EPEAT list.
Evaluation takes place in three categories. If a product meets the 23 minimum criteria, it is awarded a bronze rating. If it also meets 50 percent of the 28 additional optional criteria, it is awarded a certificate in silver. For a gold rating it must meet not only the basic criteria but also 75 percent of the other requirements. The products evaluated include IT devices such as computers, displays and notebooks.
In particular, EPEAT is intended to offer decision making support for buyers looking for environmentally friendly products. The criteria were developed in cooperation with the American Environmental Protection Agency. The authorities and state-run organizations there are even required by law to order only computers that are on the EPEAT list.
This list can be viewed at www.epeat.net and covers products from 41 countries.