EPEAT Climate+ Gold
Global Electronics Council® (GEC)
EPEAT Climate+ drives eco-friendly electronics, fighting climate change impacts.
Key Strengths
- Gold tier within the EPEAT Climate+ rating system, signaling top-tier environmental performance
- Covers full product lifecycle — from materials sourcing and manufacturing to end-of-life
- Recognized in government and institutional green procurement policies globally
- Drives manufacturer accountability on GHG emissions, renewable energy, and recycled content
- Backed by GEC, a credible nonprofit with deep electronics sustainability expertise
- Supports regulatory compliance and competitive differentiation in sustainability-driven markets
Ideal For
Best suited for electronics manufacturers (computers, mobile devices, displays, imaging equipment) seeking to differentiate their products on climate and environmental performance. Ideal for companies targeting sustainability-conscious enterprise buyers, government procurement programs, or markets with strong green purchasing policies.
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Overview
EPEAT Climate+ is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting eco-friendly electronics to combat climate change. This program sets stringent criteria for manufacturers, ensuring that electronic products have minimal adverse environmental impacts throughout their lifecycle—from production to disposal. By adopting Climate+ standards, companies commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, utilizing renewable energy, and incorporating recycled materials in their production processes.
The program evaluates a product’s environmental performance through a comprehensive rating system, allowing consumers and businesses to make informed, sustainable choices. EPEAT Climate+ covers a diverse range of electronic products, including computers, mobile phones, and imaging equipment, ensuring a broad impact across the electronics market.
Participation in EPEAT Climate+ not only helps mitigate climate change but also supports innovations in sustainable technology. By adhering to these rigorous environmental standards, manufacturers can gain a competitive edge, meet regulatory requirements more efficiently, and contribute positively to global sustainability goals.
Overall, EPEAT Climate+ is driving the electronics industry towards a greener future, proving that technology and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Manufacturers must submit detailed product documentation demonstrating conformance with EPEAT Climate+ required and optional criteria, including lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions data, renewable energy use in manufacturing, recycled content percentages, and end-of-life management commitments. Products are subject to third-party verification audits conducted by GEC-approved conformity assessment bodies.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
There is no traditional exam. Products are assessed through a documentation review and third-party conformity assessment process. Manufacturers submit technical evidence demonstrating compliance with EPEAT Climate+ required criteria and a sufficient number of optional criteria to achieve Gold tier. GEC-approved conformity assessment bodies review submissions, may conduct site or remote audits, and verify claims before registration is granted.
Renewal & Compliance
EPEAT registrations require annual renewal. Manufacturers must maintain conformance with all applicable criteria and pay annual registration fees. Products may be subject to ongoing surveillance audits or spot-checks by GEC or its authorized conformity assessment bodies to ensure continued compliance.
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Consider Alternatives If...
Manufacturers with limited resources for lifecycle documentation and third-party verification may find the Gold tier requirements burdensome. Companies outside the electronics sector or those producing product categories not covered by EPEAT criteria should look for more applicable certification programs.
Alternative Programs
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Sources & Citations
Content on this page is AI-enriched from primary sources.
Global Electronics Council® (GEC)Last verified Mar 10, 2026