Hewlett-Packard has taken over first place in the slow march toward sustainability in the electronic gadget industry, according to the latest rankings by Greenpeace.
The environmental organization's Guide to Greener Electronics, released this week, sorted the 15 largest gadget makers on the basis of energyuse, greener products, and sustainable operations. HP reached the top thanks to its commitment to measuring and reducing carbon emissions in its supply chain, according to the quarterly report, which is in its 17th edition.
Scoring 5.9 out of 10, HP isn't yet "green" by Greenpeace's standards (which requires a score of about seven), but is good enough for top of the heap on a list which also showed improvements by Dell (second place overall), Apple (fourth), Lenovo (eighth), LG Electronics (tied-13th) and Toshiba (tied-13th).
Research In Motion (RIM), the Canadian maker of Black-Berry, scored 1.6 out of 10, making its first appearance at 15th on the list, which has been published since 2006.
Greenpeace researchers scrutinized how companies with the largest market shares make mobile phones, televisions and computers, said Christy Ferguson, climate and energy unit head, Greenpeace Canada.
An "energy" category was assessed based on companies' manufacturing emissions, as well as having a "clean energy plan." Products' "greenness" depended on electronic efficiency, avoidance of hazardous substances, use of recycled materials and the life expectancy of the gadget - a new category in which 13 of 15 companies received a grade of "low" or "zero."
"Sustainable operations" used less energy in their supply chain, avoided using conflict materials (materials, usually minerals obtained in conditions of armed conflict and human rights abuses), and offered e-waste recycling programs.
"It's definitely getting better," said Ferguson, explaining that the ranking criteria varies to "raise the bar" or to address new problems in the evolving industry.
The guide holds companies accountable, Ferguson said. Participating gadget-makers can use public disclosure, benchmarks and action to strengthen ties with consumers in a market that depends increasingly on brand loyalty.
Putting pressure on companies that use dangerous chemicals has been one of the successes of the initiative, Ferguson said.
In 2006, only five companies expressed interest in eliminating Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) from their manufacturing practises. Since then, a total of 13 companies now have plans to eliminate those chemicals, while Apple, Sony and Nokia already have, Ferguson said. "Now they [PVC and BFRs] are being phased out."
HP scored particularly well in the areas of operational emissions, and sustainable sourcing of fibre paper, according to the research findings. Dell scored high in the same categories and made the most dramatic jump in the rankings, climbing from 10th to second overall.
HP and Dell could not be reached for comment.
eduggan@vancouversun.com
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