LM Receives EPEAT Award Ten Years in a Row

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management is proud to be recognized once again with an EPEAT Purchaser Award.

Each year, the Global Electronics Council presents Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) Purchaser Awards to honor organizations who buy sustainable IT products. In their effort to address climate change, fulfill their mission to protect human health and the environment, and meet federal standards for a net-zero supply chain, LM only purchases IT products from vendors who provide products with EPEAT labels.

Six product categories qualify for EPEAT awards:

• Computers and displays.
• Imaging equipment.
• Mobile phones.
• Photovoltaic modules and inverters.
• Televisions.
• Servers.

Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels are a major cause of climate change. The World Economic Forum says the electronics industry is one of the eight sectors responsible for over half of global emissions.

Legacy Management IT Specialist Kyle Brown, along with LMSP Contract Administrator Lisa Page and the entire Procurement and Contracts department, work diligently to ensure each product LM purchases meets EPEAT criteria. This means it’s less toxic, more efficient, lasts longer, and is easier to recycle. 

Manufacturers can register their products in EPEAT categories if they meet specific standards including:

• Choosing eco-friendly materials.
• Reducing supply chain greenhouse gas emissions.
• Designing products for reusability and long life.
• Conserving energy managing disposal.
• Maintaining good corporate practices. 

Brown says, “Purchasing EPEAT products is important because laptops are built with rare earth materials and when they’re disposed of the toxic materials end up in landfills. If it’s not recycled, it means mercury, lead, and other toxic components can contaminate groundwater near the landfill. EPEAT devices must meet certain criteria to make sure this doesn’t happen.”