For over 20 years TCO Development has pioneered advancements in sustainable IT through its environmental and quality certifications for computers, displays and other IT products intended for professional use. Known around the world, the TCO Certified designation has helped business and public sector buyers choose IT products that feature sustainability attributes such as low environmental impact, superior ergonomic design and reduced energy consumption. Several criteria included in TCO Certified over the years have later been adopted into laws and regulations throughout the world.
In a natural next step in advancing sustainable IT, TCO Development is now planning the introduction of a certification for smartphones. With their PC-like power and functionality and a worldwide annual sales growth around 50 percent, smartphones represent the fastest growing of all IT product categories. An estimated one billion smartphones will be sold during 2014.
But this explosive growth also brings with it new sustainability challenges that must be addressed. Smartphones contain hazardous substances and are replaced much more frequently than a computer for example. In the US the average user replaces their device every 18 months, and the recycling rate is alarmingly low. Resulting e-waste is a huge environmental and human health problem. In addition, a large proportion of smartphone manufacturing occurs in factories where working conditions and wages are sub-standard.
The focus areas of the certification will be to drive greater social responsibility into the manufacturing of smartphones as well as reduce their impact on the environment and human health. Examples of criteria include a manufacturer commitment to improved working conditions and compliance with international labour conventions as well as the minimization of hazardous substances such as heavy metals, beryllium and phthalates. Other key criteria eliminate the use of nickel – a common allergen – on smartphone surfaces, as well as require that a headset be supplied with the device. The smartphone should also be equipped with an easily replaceable battery and meet several criteria for display performance.
You will note in TCO Certified Smartphones, that we have decided not to include any criteria as regards the SAR-value. While we still choose to monitor developments in this area, we rely on the generally accepted advice to recommend the use of a headset when using the smartphone for communication.
The new certification criteria set is available on the TCO Development homepage in draft format for public and stakeholder comment until April 30 2013. An estimated publication date for the final criteria is around mid-May. At that time, the certification will be available for brands to certify their smartphone devices.
TCO Development advances sustainable IT and is the organization behind TCO Certified, the third party sustainability certification for IT products. Professional IT purchasers worldwide choose TCO Certified products as part of their sustainable IT strategy. Products achieving TCO Certified meet a broad series of criteria to ensure that manufacturing, use and recycling is carried out with consideration for environmental, social and economic responsibility.
www.tcodevelopment.com
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