Environmental Leader

A registry that rates computer desktops, laptops and monitors by their energy efficiency and other environmental measures now has been synchronized with the equipment that is actually available for purchase in 40 nations.

Previously, users of the EPEAT registry might have identified a computer they wanted to purchase, only to find it unavailable in their country. EPEAT stands for Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool.

The rating system was introduced in the U.S. market in 2006. It now includes information about electronics available in Canada, Mexico, Europe, China, Japan, Brazil, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand, among others, reports AFP.

About $60 billion worth of computer purchase contracts worldwide specify that the electronics must be EPEAT registered, according to the article.

Increasingly, manufacturers are trying to differentiate their product lines by showing how they offer more “green” energy efficient products.

Additionally, Greenpeace is pressuring computer makers to eliminate harmful chemicals from their manufacturing processes. In a late July protest of Hewlett Packard’s manufacturing strategy, the group painted giant letters spelling out “Hazardous Products” on the rooftop of HP’s headquarters.