Fujitsu becomes among the first vendors to achieve multinational EPEAT certification

Kingston, Jamaica: Japanese IT services provider Fujitsu  has become one of the first companies to achieve multinational certification for technology products, as the 'electronic product environmental assessment tool' (EPEAT) registry goes global.

EPEAT is a comprehensive Green IT product rating system, with a registry of more than 1,000 products and more than 30 participating manufacturers.

The EPEAT programme evaluates computer desktops, laptops, and monitors based on 51 environmental criteria developed through an extensive stakeholder consensus process supported by US EPA. The EPEAT system is managed by the Green Electronics Council, a nonprofit organisation headquartered in Portland, Oregon, in the US.

Compared to traditional computer equipment, all EPEAT-registered computers have reduced levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury to better protect human health and the environment. They are said to be more energy efficient, which reduces emissions of climate changing greenhouse gases. They are also easier to upgrade and recycle. In fact, manufacturers must offer environmentally responsible recycling options for all EPEAT-registered products.

Masataka Fujii, general manager, environmental engineering division at Fujitsu global headquarters in Tokyo, welcomed the expansion, saying, ''Fujitsu appreciates and supports the efforts to globalise the EPEAT classification and labelling scheme. In many countries, EPEAT will enable increased transparency on the environmental benefit generated by products that are based on the FUJITSU 'Green Policy Innovation'.''

Achieving multinational EPEAT certification is an important Green IT milestone for Fujitsu and underlines the company's focus on product innovation and efficiency. Other firsts have included the 0-Watt standby PC, introduced earlier this year, and Fujitsu's own pioneering Green IT label, which will remain in use, alongside EPEAT certification.