Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) is a brand-new standard system for evaluating, certifying and registering green computers and other electronics. Like LEED for green building and Energy Star for appliances, EPEAT provides a clear and consistent set of performance criteria for the design of products.
It also provides an opportunity for manufacturers to secure market recognition for efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its products. The rating system evaluates computer and other electronic products according to three tiers of environmental performance -- Bronze, Silver, and Gold. There are 51 total environmental criteria: 23 required and 28 optional criteria, and products earn respective labels for the total number of criteria met. The new standard is designed to encourage manufacturers to design their products to be used longer, be more energy efficient, easier to upgrade and recycle, and contain fewer hazardous materials.
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