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Why do we have environmentally labelled computers?
In many countries, environmental labelling has become an established
method for encouraging the adaptation of goods and services to the
environment. The main problem, as far as computers and other electronics
equipment are concerned, is that environmentally harmful substances are
used both in the products and during the manufacturing. Since it is as yet not
possible to satisfactorily recycle the majority of electronics equipment, most
of these potentially damaging substances will eventually enter the
environment.
There are also other characteristics of a computer, such as energy
consumption levels, that are important from the viewpoints of both the work
(internal) and natural (external) environments. Since all methods of
conventional electricity generation have a negative effect on the environment
(acidic and climate-influencing emissions, radioactive waste, etc.), it is vital
to conserve energy. Electronics equipment in offices consume an enormous
amount of energy since they are often left running continuously.
What does labelling involve?
This product meets the requirements for the TCO'95 scheme which provides
for international and environmental labelling of personal computers. The
labelling scheme was developed as a joint effort by the TCO (The Swedish
Confederation of Professional Employees), Naturskyddsforeningen (The
Swedish Society for Nature Conservation) and NUTEK (The National Board
for Industrial and Technical Development in Sweden).
The requirements cover a wide range of issues: environment, ergonomics,
usability, emission of electrical and magnetic fields, energy consumption and
electrical and fire safety.
The environmental demands concern restrictions on the presence and use
of heavy metals, brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, CFCs
(freons) and chlorinated solvents, among other things. The product must be
prepared for recycling and the manufacturer is obliged to have an
environmental plan which must be adhered to in each country where the
company implements its operational policy.
The energy requirements include a directive that the computer and/or
display, after a certain period of inactivity, shall reduce its power
consumption to a lower level. The length of time to reactivate the computer
shall be reasonable for the user.
Labelled products must meet strict environmental demands, for example, in
respect of the reduction of electric and magnetic fields, physical and visual
ergonomics and good usability.
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