SACRAMENTO – The Department of General Services (DGS) and the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) were honored this week by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for their leadership in spearheading State efforts to purchase “greener” computers. 

Since July 2006, the State has purchased nearly 9,000 computers, laptops, and monitors from vendors that have registered their products with the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT), guaranteeing the equipment contains reduced levels of certain chemicals, operates more energy efficiently, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

“The time has come for the State of California to buy green and EPEAT has given us the tool to push vendors to provide us with “greener” products,” said DGS Director Will Bush.  “I encourage the general public to buy EPEAT registered products as well and realize the same energy savings and environmental benefits we are seeing in State government.”

CIWMB Chair Margo Reid Brown received the State’s Green Electronics Champion Award in San Jose Tuesday from the U.S. EPA and the Green Electronics Council.  "It is a pleasure and an honor to receive an award that demonstrates that buying greener computers has environmental and economic benefits,” said CIWMB Chair Margo Reid Brown.

Compared to conventional computer equipment, all EPEAT-registered computers have reduced levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury to better protect human health. They are more energy efficient, which reduces emissions of climate changing greenhouse gases. They are also easier to upgrade and recycle. Manufacturers must also offer safe recycling options for the products when they are no longer useable.

In 2003, SB 20 — California’s e-waste legislation, was enacted and required the State to develop guidelines for purchasing greener electronic products.  The CIWMB and DGS have since worked to adopt EPEAT as the State’s purchasing standard.  DGS is continuing to push vendors to adopt the standard as well or risk losing State business.

More information on EPEAT.

Visit the California Integrated Waste Management Board’s Web site.

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