Join the global movement for sustainable IT

Did you know that the IT products you use every day are linked to a number of social and environmental sustainability challenges? Issues such as climate change, hazardous substances and poor supply chain working conditions are problems we must address together. We need to make IT more circular, reduce e-waste and conserve precious natural resources. The good news is that change is possible and we all have a role to play. A conscious decision you make today can improve people’s lives and help save the ecosystems we depend on, with effects that may ripple far into the future.

The four focus areas of TCO Certified
Sustainability in the IT sector is not about solving a number of separate issues, it’s about tackling a myriad of small and large interconnected challenges and creating a system that works. To truly drive sustainable change, all of the key aspects must be included: climate, substances, circularity, and the supply chain.
Major environmental and social risks in complex supply chains that are difficult to influence
Ensuring responsible supply chain practices is a persistent challenge in the IT industry. Excessive overtime, health and safety risks, and forced labor are examples of issues that need to be addressed. The environment is also affected, both locally and globally.
Driving improvements can be challenging, as the supply chain is complex, with thousands of sub-suppliers spread across multiple continents. A systematic approach is necessary to drive lasting social and environmental change at the factory level and further up the supply chain.

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Linear consumption harms ecosystems and depletes natural resources
Our current linear production and consumption of IT products harm fragile ecosystems, deplete natural resources, and contribute to the climate crisis. Each year, over 60 million tonnes of e-waste are generated globally—a figure that continues to grow.
To reduce our environmental impact and secure the supply of essential materials, we must extend the lifespan of products and build truly circular flows of products and materials that are recovered and reused.

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Many chemicals with unknown risk levels are used in the IT industry
Hazardous substances used in IT products present a wide variety of human health and environmental risks. Throughout the life cycle, products may release dioxins, halogens and other toxicants, which can persist in the natural environment and the human body.
Only around 1% of the 350,000 chemicals available today have been risk-assessed. The common approach of banning substances only after they are identified as hazardous is not adequate, as new chemicals are continually being developed and legislation often lags behind.

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IT products contribute to the climate crisis with emissions throughout their life cycle
The effects of the climate crisis are here. Weather and climate extremes affect every region across the globe, with flooding, drought and damage to nature and people. We must act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all significant sources, including IT products.
The good news is that effective methods are already available. A significant portion of the climate impact occurs during manufacturing, so extending the lifespan of these products can have a substantial impact.

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The global sustainability certification for IT products

We know that sustainability is achievable—our history proves it. For over 30 years, TCO Certified has progressively driven IT brands to take more responsibility for environmental and social issues in their supply chains, with criteria that challenge but also incentivize change. Since the certification is backed by buyers from all around the world, the industry has accepted the challenge. Step by step, the IT products you use every day become more sustainable.

By using TCO Certified in procurement, you align your sustainability criteria with thousands of organizations globally. Together, we take new steps and reduce risks throughout the IT product value chain.

Environmental and social criteria with direct impact

The criteria target issues in four key areas: climate, substances, circularity and supply chain.

Compliance with all criteria is checked for every product

All criteria are mandatory — certified product models must meet all criteria.

Wide choice of products from well-known IT brands

Thousands of certified products, including computers, displays and mobile devices, are available worldwide.

Roadmap for Sustainable IT

Our Roadmap for Sustainable IT includes clear steps to drive sustainability in four key areas: climate, substances, circularity and supply chain. It provides structure and transparency, allowing IT brands, purchaser organizations and other stakeholders to align with our ambitious goals and collaborate to achieve them. Together, we can push sustainability where it matters most.

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