EPA Helps To Develop New Green Standards For Imaging Devices
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency is working to develop “green” standards for imaging devices such as copiers. In February of this year The EPA began a workshop which is to be a 12 to 18 month program which is designed to build upon the efforts of the EPEAT program. EPEAT is a tool, available online, that helps buyers to identify and select electronic equipment that is more environmentally friendly.
According to David Jones, an EPA Waste Division Associate Director, the EPEAT program has been a great success in reducing the impact on the environment by electronic equipment. With this new initiative the EPA intends to make copiers and other imaging devices more “green”.
Currently most electronic equipment that is purchased by the federal government is required to be EPEAT registered as environmentally friendly. Several state governments as well as numerous local governments, universities and private companies have also embraced EPEAT ideals and purchase their computers and electronic equipment using recommendations and guidelines of the tool.
The EPA does not plan to develop the new set of green criteria for imaging devices itself, but instead is providing funds and the support of its staff to assist those in the industry to develop these standards.