When it comes to electrical systems, there are a number of different labels you should keep a lookout for if you want to be eco-friendly. Of course, scanning through all of the different labels and trying to make sense out of what they mean or why they should matter to you can be a bit confusing. So, here is a boiled down look at the various eco-friendly labels you will find and what they mean.
EPEAT
You will find the EPEAT label on items such as desktop computers, monitors, and notebooks. This label is meant to help you determine whether or not the product is in compliance with environmental performance standards for electronic products as established by IEEE 1680-2006. Companies that believe they are in compliance with these standards can register with EPEAT, at which time the organization will verify whether or not the product is truly in compliance.
When verifying compliance with the standards, EPEAT looks at 51 different criteria. 23 of these criteria are required by IEEE 1680, while 28 are optional. If the products meets the 23 required criteria, it receives a bronze certification. If it meets all of the required criteria and at least 14 of the optional criteria, it receives a silver rating. Those products meeting all 23 required criteria and at least 21 of the optional criteria receive a gold ranking.
80 PLUS
The 80 PLUS program monitors the energy efficiency of computer power supply units. Those PSUs with at least an 80% energy efficiency at 20%, 50%, and 100% rated loads are eligible for this certification. Those with the 80 PLUS Bronze rating have an energy efficiency of at least 82% at 20% and 100% loads and at least 85% at 50% loads. Those with the 80 PLUS Silver designation have at least an 85% efficiency at 20% and 100% loads and at least 88% at 50% loads. Those with an 80 PLUS Gold rating have an energy efficiency of at least 87% at 20% and 100% loads and an efficiency of at least 90% at 50% load.
Energy Star
The Energy Star label can be found on appliances, heating and cooling systems, home electronics, and lighting. Those products carrying this label utilize an average of 20-30% less energy than those appliances without the label. The exact energy savings required to receive the Energy Star label does vary from one item to the next. For a refrigerator to receive the label, for example, it must reduce energy use by 20% when compared to the minimum standard. Dishwashers, on the other hand, must reduce energy usage by 41%.
Green Mark
The Green Mark is issued to companies in the UK. There are three levels of certification a company can achieve within this system, with each level requiring the company to meet certain criteria. The levels include:
- Level 1 – the business must demonstrate that it is working toward developing an Environmental Management System, which involves developing indicators to help them measure their progress
- Level 2 – the business must have implemented an environmental policy, made improvements to reduce its environmental impact, implemented training to its staff, and be in compliance with legislation
- Level 3 – the company must provide evidence of making a significant improvement, or it must have implemented sustainable business practices, or it must have implemented an environmental management system
ECMA-370
The ECMA-370 standard addresses whether or not the product meets certain environmental attributes and measurements. The standard addresses products and programs implemented by the company, but not the manufacturing process. Areas addressed by this standard include the use of recycled materials, the lifetime of the products produced, and the use of hazardous materials.
ECMA-341
The ECMA-341 is a standard that addresses audio/video communication and information technology products. Areas that are addressed with this standard include material efficiency, chemical and noise emissions, energy efficiency, and product packaging.
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