Since inception of the annual Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) Sustainable Purchaser Award in 2015, ORAU has received the award each year and achieved the highest star rating possible (3 stars with an increase to 4 stars in 2018 and 2019). This annual award given by the Green Electronics Council recognizes excellence in the procurement of “green electronics.” These electronics have been manufactured to conserve energy, eliminate environmentally sensitive materials and increase recyclability and are included in the following product categories:
- Computers and displays
- Imaging equipment
- Televisions
- Mobile phones
- Servers
Receiving the award each year signifies ORAU’s ongoing commitment to purchasing EPEAT-registered and other environmental sound products as well as an unwavering compliance with ORISE’s Site Sustainability Plan.
From 2015-2019 (fiscal year (FY) 2015 through FY 2018), by purchasing EPEAT-registered products versus conventional electronics, ORAU reduced its electricity use by 636,790 kilowatt hours which equates to:
- Enough energy to power 51 U.S homes for a year,
- A reduction of 166 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions,
- Taking 82 average U.S. passenger cars off the road for a year, and
- $60,577 in energy cost savings
Other beneficial environmental impacts from 2015 through 2019 EPEAT purchases include: reduction of primary material use by 212.9 metric tons, elimination of approximately 2.54 metric tons of solid waste, and elimination of 1,978 kg of hazardous waste.
ORAU remains committed to establishing and obtaining the highest standards of sustainable purchasing during these unprecedented times and beyond. Our sustainability program is designed to set electronic standards in order to promote environmental quality, helping communities be healthy with clean air and natural resources.