By Graham K. Rogers

Epson Corporation has announced that many of its printers are now included on the EPEAT global registry for greener electronics. EPEAT identifies itself as a comprehensive environmental rating that helps identify greener computers and other electronic equipment.

Many manufacturers, such as Apple, Dell, HP and Lenovo have products listed in the Registry, which allows the participating companies to demonstrate environmental responsibility and innovation.

The EPEAT rating system debuted in July 2006 and it is estimated that more than 533 million EPEAT-registered products have been purchased since that time. The Epson press release tells us that use of such products has contributed to the elimination of greenhouse gas emissions considerably, "reducing more than 394,000 metric tons of hazardous waste and solid waste by nearly 167,000 metric tons."

The list of certified products now includes a number of Epson multifunction and large format printers with more expected to be added as they reach compliance.

Colin Donahoe, director of business imaging, Epson America, said "Epson's inclusion in the EPEAT registry underscores a longstanding commitment to environmental responsibility and performance," adding "We have already registered a number of devices with EPEAT based on their environmental criteria, and Epson worldwide is working to continually expand the number of devices on the EPEAT registry to make it easier for consumers and organizations to identify and purchase greener printers."

Graham K. Rogers teaches at the Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University in Thailand. He wrote in the Bangkok Post, Database supplement on IT subjects. For the last seven years of Database he wrote a column on Apple and Macs.