Today the Global Electronics Council® (GEC) released its Final Product Category Proposal for Enterprise Data Storage products, which initiates coverage of this category under the EPEAT® ecolabel, and development of the EPEAT “data center stack” to enable more sustainable data centers.  The final proposal reflects stakeholder comments and data-supported recommendations submitted during the public consultation process.

This document outlines the rationale for adding enterprise data storage to the EPEAT portfolio, including market analysis, summary of sustainability impacts and strategies to reduce impacts, and stakeholder interest. It also provides an overview of product composition and makes recommendations on the scope and approach for developing criteria for this product category.

In order to activate this new EPEAT Product Category, GECwill apply the newly updated next generation sustainability criteria for Climate Change Mitigation, Reducing Chemicals of Concern and Responsible Supply Chains. GEC will also make necessary changes to apply the next generation EPEATSustainableUse ofResourcesCriteria to data storage equipment by conveningExpert Ad Hoc Groups toreviewdraftproposalsfora Limited Criteria Revision.Where select Sustainable Use of Resources criteria have product specific thresholds and/or functional performance requirements, such as for recycled content andavailability of replacement components, GECwillseekExpert Ad Hoc Group input on theapplicability of server requirements to data storage products.No other revisions to EPEAT SUR-2025Criteria or other next generation EPEAT Criteria are proposed. Following conclusion of the Expert Ad Hoc Group vetting process, GEC will initiate a Voluntary Consensus Process with NSF International for a Limited Criteria Revision of EPEAT SUR-2025.

EPEAT’s sustainability criteria are built and finalized via a community driven process.  Stakeholders interested in participating in the Expert Ad Hoc Group are encouraged to contact criteria@gec.org by 11:59pm ET on April 16, 2025.

Please contact Erica Terek (eterek@gec.org) with any questions.