TCO Development Releases New Generation TCO Certified Program for PCs and Displays

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, March 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

- Pre-Test Period Now Open for Manufacturers

In its 20^th year of advancing Sustainable IT, TCO Development today released the new generation TCO Certified sustainability certification for PCs and computer displays. The updated program expands TCO Certified from a product focus to also include social responsibility requirements in the production phase of certified products. The release of the new generation criteria also opens the pre-test period for manufacturers to test and certify products in advance of the official worldwide launch to IT buyers.

Considering increased attention to sustainability among professional purchasers worldwide, it is important that IT products not only are designed for the environment and performance, but that also that these features aren't included at the expense of fair working conditions and other social aspects during the production phase.  TCO Certified helps professional purchasers reach their sustainable IT goals by offering them a reassurance of products that are designed with the social, economic and environmental aspects in mind.

The new social responsibility requirements are based on the eight ILO core conventions and labor laws in the country of production, which stipulate minimum standards for working conditions in production facilities. Manufacturers choosing to certify their products will need to provide verification that they are actively working to improve working conditions in accordance with the ILO conventions. Independent audit reports from production facilities will be required annually and will be assessed by independent experts.

Soren Enholm, CEO of TCO Development, comments on the new generation TCO Certified. "The increasing demand for sustainable IT solutions among purchasers, along with the recent attention to socially responsible practices in the electronics industry makes the new TCO Certified a highly relevant tool in advancing sustainable IT. TCO Certified is a natural part of the solution; helping industry strengthen its commitment to sustainable and ethical practices, while offering purchasers worldwide a credible way to select IT products that are designed to meet their economic, social and environmental needs."

The final criteria set in TCO Certified is a result of a stakeholder dialog with industry, purchasers and other experts over a 3 month period. Product models intended for certification will be tested at an accredited independent lab prior to certification. Projected launch of the first certified products is May 2012 for PC categories, with September being targeted for computer displays.

About TCO Development - For Sustainable IT

TCO Development is the company behind the TCO Certified third party sustainability certification for IT products and has been an international driver in the field of Sustainable IT for 20 years. 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. Product categories include notebooks, desktops, All-in-One PCs, tablets, projectors, computer displays and phone headsets. TCO Development is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, with regional presence in North America and Asia. More information at http://www.tcodevelopment.com

Contact:

USA
Clare Hobby
+1-310-801-8769
clare.hobby@tcodevelopment.com

Taiwan
Martin Soderberg
+886-931-290-186
martin.soderberg@tcodevelopment.com