Why Do We Have Environmentally Labelled Computers; What Does Labelling Involve; Environmental Requirements - NEC HR17 MultiSync User Manual

E S Product
®
NERGY TAR
This product meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency.
The Energy Star emblem does not represent EPA endorsement of any
product or service.
CSA
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulation.
Cet appareil numerique de la class B respecte toutes les exigences du
Reglement sur le materiel brouilleur du Canada.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.
All other trademarks or registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.
TCO'99
Congratulation! You have just purchased a TCO'99 approved and
labeled product! Your choice has provided you with a pro d u c t
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?

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
the manufacturing. Since it has not been possible for the majority of electronics
equipment to be recycled in a satisfactory way, 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 conventional electricity
generation have a negative effect on the environment (acidic and climate-
influencing emissions, radioactive waste, etc.), it is vital to conserve energ y.
E l e c t ronics equipment in offices consume an enormous amount of energy since
they are often left running continuously.

What does labelling involve?

This product meets the requirements for the TCO'99 scheme which provides for
i n t e rnational 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).
The re q u i rements cover a wide range of issues: environment, erg o n o m i c s ,
u s a b i l i t y, emission of electrical and magnetic fields, energy consumption and
electrical and fire safety.
The environmental demands concern restrictions on the presence and use of
heavy metals, brominated and chlorinated flame re t a rdants, CFCs (freons) and
chlorinated solvents, among other things. The product must be pre p a red for
recycling and the manufacturer is obliged to have an environmental plan which
must be adhered to in each countr y 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.

Environmental Requirements

Flame retardants
Flame retardants are present in printed circuit boards, cables, wires, casings and
housings. In turn, they delay the spread of fire. Up to thirty percent of the plastic
in a computer casing can consist of flame retar ant substances. Most flame
retardants contain bromine or chloride and these are related to another group of
e n v i ronmental toxins, PCB's, which are suspected to give rise to severe health
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