EPEAT is a system to help purchasers in the public and private sectors evaluate, compare and select desktop computers, notebooks and monitors based on their environmental attributes. EPEAT provides a clear and consistent set of performance criteria for the design of desktops, notebooks, monitors and integrated systems. It is based on the IEEE 1680- 2006 environmental performance standard for electronic products. EPEAT maintains a registry of compliant products and operates a verification program to assure the credibility of the Registry.
The IEEE 1680 standard contains 51 criteria - 23 required criteria and 28 optional criteria. To qualify for registration as an EPEAT product, the product must conform to all 23 required criteria - this provides "Bronze" status. By additionally meeting 50% of the optional criteria, products can be designated "Silver". Those that meet 75% of the optional criteria achieve "Gold" status.
