Computing the True Cost of Computers—Resource Page

Computing the True Cost of ComputersGovernment Purchasers Buy "Greener" Computers

By addressing energy efficiency, reduced toxicity, and recyclability in their computer specifications, government purchasers can reduce the life-cycle costs of technology procurement.

Resources

The Center for a New American Dream Provides resources for institutions buying computers, including purchasing principles and sample contract language. http://www.newdream.org/computers

Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) Initiative, funded by the EPA, to develop a tool to help purchasers identify environmentally preferable computers and help manufacturers receive a market advantage for their environmentally preferable designs. http://www.epeat.net/about_epeat.htm

EPAs Energy Star Computer Information Web Site Provides information on the energy-saving features of Energy Star labeled computers as well as manufacturer and product lists. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=computers.pr_computers

EPAs Plug-In to eCycling Campaign to increase the number of electronic devices collected and safely recycled in the United States. Part of EPA's Resource Conservation Challenge. http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/conserve/plugin/

Federal Electronics Challenge Offers a recognition system for federal agencies that reduce the environmental impact of computers through procurement, use, and end-of-life management. http://www.federalelectronicschallenge.net/

Health Care Without Harms and Computer Take-Back Campaigns Environmentally Preferable Procurement Guidelines for Information Technology Equipment in Health Care - Contains procurement guidelines and evaluation tools for procuring electronic equipment. Created to assist health care providers and administrators in their efforts to reduce the environmental impact of their facilities. http://www.cehca.org/hcwhsuccesses.htm#ComputersandHealthCare

INFORM Lists reports, articles, and other information on extended producer responsibility the extension of the responsibility of producers for the environmental impacts of their products throughout their life cycle. http://www.informinc.org/epr_00.php

Product Stewardship Institute - Offers purchasing recommendations, background information on environmental and human health concerns, and summaries of manufacturer and government initiatives. http://www.productstewardship.us/prod_electronics.html

Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition Provides information on the environmental and human health effects of computers as well as tracks industrys progress in addressing these concerns. http://www.svtc.org