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[Applicable to gray (standard color version only).]
In many countries, environmental labelling has become an established method for encouraging
the adaptation of goods and services to the environment. The main problem, as far as computers
and other electronics equipment are concerned, is that environmentally harmful substances are
used both in the products and during their manufacture. Since it is not so far possible to
satisfactorily recycle the majority of electronics equipment, most of these potentially damaging
substances sooner or later enter nature.
There are also other characteristics of a computer, such as energy consumption levels, that are
important from the viewpoints of both the work (internal) and natural (external) environments.
Since all methods of electricity generation have a negative effect on the environment (e.g. acidic
and climate-influencing emissions, radioactive waste), it is vital to save energy. Electronics
equipment in offices is often left running continuously and thereby consumes a lot of energy.
What does labelling involve?
This product meets the requirements for the TCO’99 scheme which provides for international
and environmental labelling of personal computers. The labelling scheme was developed as a
joint effort by the TCO (The Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees), Svenska
Naturskyddsforeningen (The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation) and Statens
Energimyndighet (The Swedish National Energy Administration).
Approval requirements cover a wide range of issues: environment, ergonomics, usability, emission
of electric and magnetic fields, energy consumption and electrical and fire safety.
The environmental demands impose restrictions on the presence and use of heavy metals,
brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, CFCs (freons) and chlorinated solvents, among
other things. The product must be prepared for recycling and the manufacturer is obliged to have
an environmental policy which must be adhered to in each country where the company
implements its operational policy.
The energy requirements include a demand that the computer and/or display, after a certain
period of inactivity, shall reduce its power consumption to a lower level in one or more stages.
The length of time to reactivate the computer shall be reasonable for the user.
Labelled products must meet strict environmental demands, for example, in respect of the
reduction of electric and magnetic fields, physical and visual ergonomics and good usability.
You will find a brief summary of the environmental requirements met by this product on the
right. The complete environmental criteria document may be ordered from:
Congratulations!
You have just purchased a TCO’99 approved and labelled product!
Your choice has provided you with a product developed for
professional use. Your purchase has also contributed to reducing
the burden on the environment and also to the further development
of environmentally adapted electronics products.
Why do we have environmentally labelled computers?
TCO Development
SE-114 94 Stockholm, Sweden
Fax: +46 8 782 92 07
Email (Internet): development@tco.se
Current information regarding TCO’99 approved and labelled products may also be obtained
via the Internet, using the address: http://www.tco-info.com/