CEA releases first consumer electronics sustainability report

CEA releases first consumer electronics sustainability report
Arlington, Va. — The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has released the first industry-wide consumer electronics (CE) environmental sustainability report that looks at the CE industry's progress toward greater environmental sustainability.

The report titled,Environmental Sustainability and Innovation in the Consumer Electronics Industry, conducted by research firm Technology Forecasters Inc. (TFI), reviews industry progress in adopting sustainable policies, practices and programs and highlights specific environmental accomplishments by leaders in the consumer electronics industry through eco-design, energy efficiency, green manufacturing and electronics recycling.

Key findings indicate that CE companies are decreasing electricity use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency and implementing recycling programs. Among companies that reported reduced electricity consumption, electricity usage declined by as much as 25 percent during the past three to four years, and among the major CE companies that reported greenhouse gas emissions from 2004-2007, seven of the 10 have achieved a reduction per one million dollars revenue.

Among the 64 electronics companies surveyed, 69 percent of the respondents report that they are actively recycling electronic products and components, and 38 percent report reuse of the electronics products they make or use. Together, these actions have helped to recycle nearly 800,000 tons of electronic waste.

In addition, the widespread shift from CRT to LCD monitors has reduced average energy use per monitor by about 30 percent.

The report also examines adoption of lean manufacturing processes, the greening of manufacturing facilities, and improved supply chain practices. Researchers also noted successful community and environmental outreach programs initiated and maintained by CE companies.