More buyers of smartphones and tablets should make sure they’re asking the major device brands for devices that are sustainably sustainably designed and made. Niclas Rydell of sustainability certification organization TCO Development believes this buyer influence is critical is turning the tide of mounting environmental and social challenges associated with our increased use of mobile computing products.
In a first of its kind collaboration, a group of third party environmental and sustainability certifications have joined forces to challenge the public sector to become more socially and environmentally responsible in their purchasing practices. The initiative coincides with the publication of EU’s expanded directive for public purchasing. The new directive expands opportunities to include environmental and social aspects when using public funds to buy goods and services. In EU, public purchasing accounts for around 200 billion Euro annually.
A new report from TCO Development reveals some progress but also persistent problems among 17 major IT hardware brands working to comply with new socially responsible manufacturing requirements. The State of Socially Responsible Manufacturing in the IT Industry reviews brand efforts over a one-year period to meet new criteria in TCO Certified, the sustainability
Earlier this year the EU Parliament adopted a new public procurement directive. The directive makes it easier for purchasing contracts – including those for IT products - to include requirements for social and environmental responsibility from electronics manufacturers. Member countries have until 2016 to implement the new directive.
In a step forward for sustainable IT, product certification organization TCO Development announces the first products to meet a new certification for computer displays containing a minimum of 85% post consumer recycled plastics.
Anders Wijkman, internationally recognized author and thought leader in the field of sustainable development, has been appointed to the board of TCO Development. Wijkman brings over 30 years of leadership in humanitarian and sustainability issues from previous roles as member of the EU- and Swedish parliaments as well as Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations.
STOCKHOLM, September 4, 2013. According to recent figures from TCO Development, products from 15 major brands of displays, computers and other devices have now fulfilled new criteria for socially responsible manufacturing required by the TCO Certified sustainability certification for IT products.
Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S4 smartphone is the first to achieve internationally recognized requirements for environmental design and socially responsible manufacturing. As the largest manufacturer of smartphones worldwide, Samsung is the first major brand to achieve the TCO Certified Smartphones product certification.
Read more.
TCO Development has announced the expansion of its worldwide sustainability certification for IT products to include smartphones. The new certification will provide smartphone buyers and users with an easier way to choose devices that meet criteria for socially responsible manufacturing, minimal environmental impact as well as ergonomic design.
In a landmark achievement for the advancement of Sustainable IT, TCO Development today marks the 20th Anniversary of TCO Certified, the international sustainability certification for IT products.