Apple opts out of EPEAT certification, could affect federal and educational sales

In an interesting move today, Apple has requested that all their products be removed from the Electronic Product Environment Assessment Tool (EPEAT). The tool, which evaluates the environmental impact of electronic devices, had previously extended Gold ratings to 39 of Apple’s devices, including current and previous generation MacBook Airs, Pros and iMacs.

Cupertino gave no reason for their request, but an analyst told The Wall Street Journal that it’s likely a result of the company’s latest design philosophy. The demand likely also has to do with the new Retina MacBook, which failed to receive an EPEAT rating due to its difficult disassembly, as was discovered during an iFixit teardown.

The EPEAT rating is maintained by the Green Electronics Council and is a requirement for 95% of U.S. government electronics purchases. In addition, many universities and educational institutes prefer their devices have an EPEAT rating and that may cut into Apple’s profits. On the other hand, Cupertino isn’t the type to completely forget about the environment, and they could have their own alternative planned to help ease troubled minds. 

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