The Green Electronics Council has expanded its registry that shows how computers and monitors measure up when it comes to environmental attributes. The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) registry helps purchasers evaluate, compare and select electronic products based on their environmental attributes (see registry here).

 

The system currently covers desktop and laptop computers, thin clients, workstations and computer monitors. Desktops, laptops and monitors that meet 23 required environmental performance criteria may be registered in EPEAT by their manufacturers in 40 countries worldwide. Registered products are rated Gold, Silver or Bronze depending on the percentage of 28 optional criteria they meet above the baseline criteria. EPEAT operates an ongoing verification program to assure the credibility of the registry.

Here are some interesting figures: there are 1,315 products registered in the US, but only 76 in China, 109 in Japan, and 62 in Taiwan (the only three countries in Asia so far included in the registry). The registry will expand over the coming months so I look forward to seeing how it shapes up in Asia.