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Making the Right Decision |
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There are a number of organisations who can offer advice and guidance on office products. Many of them have a certification process which easily allows you to identify whether a product meets their strict environmental requirements. Read more about these organisations below or jump straight to the web page of each accreditation using the "Related Links" on the right hand side. |
Blue Angel |
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The Blue Angel is the first and most well-known eco-label worldwide. Since 1978 it has set the standard for eco-friendly products and services selected by an independent jury in line with defined criteria. The Blue Angel is awarded to companies as kind of a reward for their commitment to environmental protection. They use it to professionally promote their eco-friendly products in the market. The Blue Angel is an ecological beacon showing the consumer the way to the ecologically superior product and promotes environmentally conscious consumption. |
Energy Star |
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The most widely-recognised voluntary environmental standard Energy Star is to become mandatory in public sector procurement according to the latest press reports.
Energy Star was revised in April 2007 to include much more stringent levels for power saving modes and mandatory duplex requirements for certain types of device.
According to Energy Star, under the new specifications computer equipment will be 65% more efficient than other models because they'll use more energy-efficient internal and external power supplies, according to Energy Star.
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Nordic Swan |
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The Swan is the official Nordic ecolabel, introduced by the Nordic Council of Ministers. The activities within Nordic Ecolabelling are coordinated by the Nordic Ecolabelling Board.
The Swan's mission is to contribute to reducing the consumer burden on the environment. Using ecolabelling, they aim to guide consumers and purchasers in their desire to shop with a "green" conscience, and thus contribute to a better society.
Through ecolabelling, the Swan wants to encourage manufacturers to develop environmentally-friendly products and services.
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TCO '99 |
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TCO is a quality and environmental labelling system, the purpose of which is to influence the development of products to ensure optimum user-friendliness and minimum impact on the environment. The TCO labelling system makes it easy to choose IT and office equipment which is beneficial to both the user and the environment. |
Eco Mark - Japan |
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The Japanese “friendly to the earth” award that recognizes products that significantly reduce environmental impact in everyday life. The Eco Mark program which is governed by the Japan Environment Association , is managed in accordance with the standards and principles of the International Organisation of Standardisation (ISO), particularly: ISO 14020 and ISO 14024.
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PC Green Label - Japan |
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The “PC green label” indicates PC maker’s overall efforts and activities to ensure that a computer is environmentally conscious. The label concept consists of the following three elements: - Environmentally conscious product design and manufacturing
- PC take-back including principles of reuse, recycle and proper disposal after end of use
- Environmental information disclosure.
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EcoLeaf - Japan |
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EcoLeaf''s purpose is to indicate quantitative environmental information about products and services. The EcoLeaf label belongs to the Type III labeling category defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO TR 14025). The aim of the EcoLeaf program is that it will become a benefit to those who are striving to develop eco-conscious products and services.
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Eco-Label - Korea |
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The Korean Eco-labelling program is a voluntary certification program. Accreditation shows that a company's products have been designed to reduce energy consumption, resources used in manufacture and that the production of polluting substances has been minimised. The labelling covers every step from raw material acquisition to distribution and finally through to disposal. |
CECP - China |
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CECP was officially founded in October 1998. CECP was one of the organizations charged with responsibility for fulfilling the requirements of the "Energy Conservation Law" of the Peoples Republic of China. The certification for energy saving and environmentally friendly products is a voluntary program aiming to save energy and reduce emissions through stimulating manufacturers to produce more resource efficient products and helping consumers to make more sustainable purchase decisions.
In 1998, CECP began the energy conservation certification program with residential refrigerators. This soon expanded to more than ninety product categories covering home appliances, lighting, electronic, office equipments, industrial products, water saving products and environmental-friendly products. |
Green Label - Hong Kong |
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The Green Label - Hong Kong is an independent, not-for-profit, voluntary scheme for the certification of environmentally preferable products, it was launched in December 2000 by Green Council. The scheme sets environmental standards and awards "Green Label" to products that are qualified regarding their environmental performance. As with all eco-labelling programs, the aim is to encourage manufacturers to supply products with good environmental performance and provide a convenient means for consumers to recognise products that are more environmentally responsible, thus promoting a more sustainable pattern of consumption. |
Green Mark -Taiwan |
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The Green Mark Program was launched in 1992 by Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration as a voluntary and positive ecolabeling program. The mission of the Green Mark is to “promote the concept of recycling, pollution reduction, and resource conservation". The program is currently administered by the Environment and Development Foundation (EDF), a private institution. |
Environmental Choice Program - Canada |
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Canada's "Environmental Choice" Eco-Logo symbol of certification features three stylized doves intertwined to form a maple leaf, representing consumers, industry and government working together to improve Canada's environment. Established in 1988, the program helps consumers identify products and services that are less harmful to the environment.
A product or service may be certified because it is made or offered in a way that improves energy efficiency, reduces hazardous by-products, uses recycled materials or because the product itself can be reused. Product manufacturers, importers or purveyors of services may apply for a license to use the Eco-Logo once a guideline containing criteria relevant to the product or service type has been approved. |
Greenguard - US |
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The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) is an industry-independent, non-profit organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification Program. As an ANSI Authorized Standards Developer, GEI establishes acceptable indoor air standards for indoor products, environments, and buildings. GEI’s mission is to improve public health and quality of life through programs that improve indoor air. |
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