Why Participate?

Why become an SEC Partner? 

Sustainable Electronics & Environmental Benefits

Used and obsolete electronics pose challenging environmental management problems. Electronic products contain a variety of hazardous constituents.  Cathode ray tubes, circuit boards, batteries, and other electronic components may contain toxic materials such as lead and cadmium.  This growing and changing waste stream presents new challenges and responsibilities to reduce the environmental impacts associated with the equipment throughout its lifecycle, from purchasing through use, and end-of-life management.
 
Electronics stewardship has considerable environmental benefits.  For example, for every 1,000 “green” computers purchased, ENERGY STAR settings enabled on equipment in use, and old units recycled after at least five years of service, you can

• Decrease energy usage by 1.3 million kWh, equivalent to the electricity needed to power 100 households annually;
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions by 246 MTCE, the equivalent of removing 177 passenger cars from the road per year;
• Avoid 49 metric tons of municipal solid waste, or the amount of waste generated by 24 households annually;
• Decrease hazardous waste entering the waste stream by 15 tons, the equivalent to the weight of 112 refrigerators; and
• Avoid the use of 193 pounds of toxic materials, including lead and mercury (equal to 23 fever thermometers).

Cost Reductions

Environmental benefits, such as energy savings, that Partners achieve translate into cost savings. For example, you can save $25 - 75 per computer system annually by ensuring that power management settings are activated (and not altered by users) on computers and monitors, and an additional $30 – 60 for each printer or copier that is powered down when not in use.

Tools to Get the Job Done

The SEC provides tools to help your organization improve management of its electronic assets, including:

1. Online resources for developing, implementing, and improving electronics stewardship in your organization—from purchasing “green” equipment to energy conservation, and reusing and recycling obsolete assets. 
2. One-on-one technical assistance on such issues as program requirements, available resources, mentor organizations, and completion of data collection forms.
3. Partner-only Webinars and networking opportunities to share information and best practices with your peers.
4. Sustainability report documenting the accomplishments of your organization and the resulting environmental benefits such as reducing greenhouse gases, energy, and toxic materials.
5. A Partner-only Listserv.

Recognition

Partners receive annual recognition and awards for their accomplishments through national, state and regional media and venues.

It’s Easy to Become a Partner

On-line registration is free and simple.  It won’t take more than 2 or 3 minutes of your time.  Your organization then becomes eligible for the Partner-only resources listed above.
Download a fact sheet about the SEC and the benefits of becoming a Partner.

 

* Based on the purchase of 1,000 EPEAT® Gold registered CPUs with LCD monitors, 100% power management of units deployed within the organization, and the recycling of 1,000 CPUs with CRT monitors after at least 5 years of service; estimates were calculated using the U.S. EPA Electronics Environmental Benefits Calculator (version 3.1, dated 7-24-12).