Apple Officially Returns to EPEAT

After less than a week, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) has come back to the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool ratings system.

The company got into a bit of trouble after it was revealed earlier this week that the company had left EPEAT without explanation. Now Bob Mansfield, Senior VP of Hardware Engineering, has released a statement (via CNET) explaining the company's absence and return.

"We've recently heard from many loyal Apple customers who were disappointed to learn that we had removed our products from the EPEAT rating system," Mansfield said in the statement. "I recognize that this was a mistake. Starting today, all eligible Apple products are back on EPEAT."

Mansfield insisted that the company's commitment to protecting the environment has never changed. "Apple makes the most environmentally responsible products in our industry," he said. "In fact, our engineering teams have worked incredibly hard over the years to make our products even more environmentally friendly, and much of our progress has come in areas not yet measured by EPEAT."

As an example, Mansfield cited Apple's removal of two harmful toxins: brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). "We are the only company to comprehensively report greenhouse gas emissions for every product we make, taking into account the entire product lifecycle," he said. "And we've removed plastics wherever possible, in favor of materials that are more highly recyclable, more durable, more efficient and longer lasting."

Mansfield also pointed out that Apple produces the most energy-efficient computers in the world, adding, "Our entire product line exceeds the stringent ENERGY STAR 5.2 government standard."

"No one else in our industry can make that claim," he said.

"We think the IEEE 1680.1 standard could be a much stronger force for protecting the environment if it were upgraded to include advancements like these. This standard, on which the EPEAT rating system is based, is an important measuring stick for our industry and its products."

"Our relationship with EPEAT has become stronger as a result of this experience, and we look forward to working with EPEAT as their rating system and the underlying IEEE 1680.1 standard evolve," Mansfield concluded. "Our team at Apple is dedicated to designing products that everyone can be proud to own and use."

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