Eco ratings from experts
Demystifying eco-label terminology
We rely on several reputable certification organisations, known as eco-labels, to identify the best-rated eco-friendly devices based on their entire lifecycle.
What on earth is an eco-label?
An eco-label is a simple way to see if a device meets a range of environmental standards, without having to analyse the data from which the rating was established.
Devices for Teams selects green devices based on ratings from three distinct eco-labels: EPEAT, TCO, and Energy Star, as well as Apple’s own private label.
These labels are highly respected and have stringent, expert-led criteria that manufacturers must meet to achieve certification.
ISO 14024 and Type 1
EPEAT and TCO are Type 1 eco-labels, guided by the principles established by ISO 14024.
These labels are voluntary, based on multiple criteria, and are part of a third-party program that awards licenses for the use of environmental labels on products.
They indicate the overall environmental preferability of a product within a specific category, considering its entire lifecycle.
Eco-labels compared
EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool)
EPEAT is a global environmental assessment tool for the IT sector.
It uses a bronze, silver and gold rating system where a bronze product would have met less than 50% of the required criteria, while a gold rating is awarded to products which meet 75-100% of the requirements.
TCO (Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees)
TCO Certified is a worldwide, complete sustainability certification and doesn’t use different levels of attainment.
Products are verified on several criteria including responsible manufacturing, user health and safety, and product performance.
Energy Star
Backed by the US government, Energy Star is a symbol for energy efficiency, to help consumers and businesses make informed decisions on the products they buy.
Computers and other electronic devices which are Energy Star certified are more likely to save buyers on their energy bills and reduce their impact on the environment.
Apple’s rating system
The approach Apple is taking commits them to becoming carbon-neutral on all their devices by 2030.
This means all the energy produced by every MacBook, iPhone and iPad, will be offset through green initiatives all over the world.
Apple’s M3 is the most energy-efficient chip currently on the market, and they make public their aims on recyclability and material sourcing on their website.
How green are we?
Devices for Teams is on a journey to a more sustainable future
We’ve reduced our reliance on non-renewable energy, switched to electric vans, use 100% recycled packaging and offer a number of green solutions such as Pre-Loved devices and a recycling service.
These are just some of our efforts towards creating a more sustainable future, not only for ourselves, but for our customers and the wider community.