Apple Withdraws From Green Certification Program

In a stunning move Apple, abruptly withdrew its products from the influential EPEAT green technology certification program, despite being one of the companies originally involved in designing the EPEAT rating criteria.

EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) reduces the environmental impact of computer desktops, laptops, and monitors by certifying them on 51 environmental criteria developed through an extensive stakeholder consensus process supported by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

EPEAT-registered computers have lower levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury, are more energy efficient, and are easier to upgrade and recycle.

The registry has over 1,000 products and more than 30 participating manufacturers, from global giants to small integrators.

Other products, including televisions, printers and computer servers, are being added to EPEAT soon. But smartphones and tablet computers have yet to be included, which means Apple’s iPad wouldn’t be affected.

The move will automatically take Apple off the approved technology procurement lists of many government agencies, universities and corporations that require EPEAT approval.

Apple has not explained its reasons for the abrupt withdrawal.

“I’ve had some conversations, and Apple has said that their design direction is not compatible with EPEAT standards,” EPEAT’s CEO, Robert Frisbee said in an interview Monday. “It’s kind of odd since they’ve helped design” the standards.”

To learn more about EPEAT here is their website: http://www.epeat.net/