Global Electronics Council
The Global Electronics Council (GEC) is a non-profit organization that focuses on promoting sustainability in the electronics industry. The GEC is responsible for managing and operating the EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) program, which is a globally recognized system for evaluating and certifying the environmental performance of electronic products.
The GEC works with a diverse range of stakeholders, including manufacturers, governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and purchasers, to develop and maintain the EPEAT program. The program sets criteria and standards for assessing the environmental attributes of electronic products, such as energy efficiency, materials selection, recyclability, and reduction of hazardous substances.
Through the EPEAT program, the GEC provides a transparent and credible framework for purchasers to make informed decisions when buying electronic products. Products that meet the required criteria can be registered and certified under the EPEAT program, allowing consumers and organizations to identify and choose more sustainable options.
As a non-profit organization, the GEC operates with the goal of driving positive environmental change within the electronics industry. Its focus is on promoting sustainable practices, reducing electronic waste, and encouraging the adoption of greener technologies. The organization's work helps advance the circular economy and supports the transition to more sustainable electronics manufacturing and consumption.
Here is some additional information about the Global Electronics Council (GEC) and its initiatives:
-EPEAT Program: The GEC manages and oversees the EPEAT program, which stands for Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool. EPEAT provides a comprehensive and globally recognized system for evaluating and certifying the environmental performance of electronic products, including computers, displays, imaging equipment, and more. The program helps purchasers make informed decisions by identifying products that meet specific environmental criteria.
-Product Categories and Criteria: EPEAT evaluates electronic products based on a set of criteria in different categories, including energy efficiency, materials selection, design for end-of-life management, and reduction or elimination of environmentally sensitive materials. The program's criteria are developed through a collaborative process involving stakeholders from industry, environmental organizations, and government agencies.
-Market Influence: The EPEAT program has had a significant impact on driving environmentally responsible design and manufacturing practices in the electronics industry. Many government agencies, educational institutions, and corporations require or prefer EPEAT-certified products in their procurement processes, which has created market incentives for manufacturers to meet higher sustainability standards.
-Collaboration and Engagement: The GEC actively engages with stakeholders across the electronics industry to promote sustainability. The organization collaborates with manufacturers, policymakers, NGOs, and other industry associations to foster dialogue, share best practices, and drive continuous improvement in environmental performance.
-Transparency and Verification: The GEC ensures the credibility and transparency of the EPEAT program through a rigorous verification process. Independent conformity assessment bodies conduct audits and verify the accuracy of environmental claims made by manufacturers regarding their products' compliance with EPEAT criteria.
-Global Reach: The GEC operates internationally, with the EPEAT program being recognized and utilized in various countries around the world. It provides a consistent framework for assessing the environmental impact of electronic products, helping to harmonize sustainability practices across different markets.
The Global Electronics Council, through the EPEAT program, plays a vital role in promoting sustainability and responsible production in the electronics industry. Its efforts contribute to reducing the environmental impact of electronic products, driving innovation towards more sustainable designs, and empowering consumers and organizations to make informed choices when purchasing electronics.