How Can the Federal Electronics Challenge (FEC) Help You? Federal Environmental Symposium June 5, 2007 Cate Berard U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

What is the Federal Electronics Challenge? The Federal Electronics Challenge (FEC) is a voluntary partnership program that assists federal agencies and facilities to:  Purchase greener electronic products  Reduce impacts of electronic products during use  Manage obsolete electronics in an environmentally safe way The FEC helps federal agencies and facilities meet their federal electronics stewardship requirements

Why should we join FEC? Implementing Instruction for E.O  “Each agency and its facilities shall choose either to become a partner in the [FEC], or to implement an equivalent electronics stewardship program … consistent with FEC’s recommended practices and guidelines” Free resources and technical assistance Opportunity for national recognition

How does the FEC work? Voluntarily participate as “Partners” Select the life cycle phase(s) on which to focus Set annual goals Report annually Provides Partners with resources and technical assistance Awards annual recognition to qualifying Partners Collaborates to provide best management practices Federal agencies and facilities: The FEC:

What is required of FEC partners? Register Sign Pledge Specify list of Facility Partners Submit Annual Awards Application (annually, optional) Register Complete Baseline Survey of Current Practices Submit Goals Identification Form (annually) Submit Annual Reporting Form (annually) Submit Awards Application (annually, optional) Agency Partners: Facility Partners:

What are the FEC goals? 95% of computers purchased are EPEAT TM Bronze-registered 100% of computers have 4-year life span ENERGY STAR® features enabled on 100% of computer monitors 100% of non-reusable computers recycled in environmentally sound manner Annually, 95% of electronic products purchased must meet EPEAT standards where applicable Implement policies to extend the useful life of agency electronic equipment Enable ENERGY STAR features on 100% of computers and monitors Reuse, donate, sell, or recycle 100% of electronic products using environmentally sound management practices FEC Program Goals: E.O Goals:

What resources does FEC provide? Regional Champions Technical Assistance Network Web Site and Guidance Documents Monthly Partner Education Calls Partner Listserve eBulletin Annual Conference

What are FEC best practices for… …integrating electronics stewardship? Incorporate electronics stewardship into your facility’s Environmental Management System (EMS) Develop and enforce appropriate policies, directives, memoranda and/or guidance to promote electronics stewardship Develop and utilize appropriate tracking and reporting systems Consider calculating the environmental benefits of implemented electronics stewardship activities  Electronics Environmental Benefits Calculator

What are FEC best practices for… …acquisition and procurement? Purchase or lease products registered with the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) EO  Currently registers computer desktops, laptops, and monitors (CRT and LCD) Purchase or lease non-EPEAT electronics with positive environmental attributes Require EPEAT-registered products or products with specific environmental attributes in current and future equipment acquisition contracts and leases Consider and evaluate the total cost of ownership for IT acquisitions

What are FEC best practices for… …operations and maintenance? Enable ENERGY STAR features on computer desktops, laptops, and monitors EO  Utilize software to automate and/or track enabling Extend product life EO  Upgrade hardware and software, implement “trickle-down” reuse Reduce consumables use  Enable duplex printing, implement managed print services Educate users about electronics stewardship Consider and implement Information Technology Asset Management (ITAM)

What are FEC best practices for… …end-of-life management? Reuse viable equipment internally or externally EO  GSA’s Computers for Learning Recycle obsolete equipment in an environmentally sound manner EO  Perform due diligence on recyclers Follow GSA processes for electronics disposition Reuse or recycle ink and toner cartridges, packaging

How are Partners recognized? Participation in awards process is not mandatory, but highly encouraged Three, progressively challenging award levels  Bronze, Silver, Gold Award checklists describe best management practices for each life cycle phase Checklists links to relevant FEC tools and resources Award applications are due each January 31

Where can I find more information? FEC Web site Cate Berard U.S. Environmental Protection Agency