State Electronics Challenge

First Year (2008) Accomplishments

In its inaugural year, 24 government agencies, ranging from Maine’s state government to cities such as Keene, New Hampshire, joined the SEC as Partners, making a commitment to purchase “green” computers, lower the energy consumption of computers in use, and reuse and recycle equipment at the end of its life. 

SEC Partner efforts in 2008 resulted in the following benefits for the Northeast.

Calculations made using Version 2.0, dated 3-2-09, available at http://www.federalelectronicschallenge.net/resources/bencalc.htm.

The State Electronics Challenge and five SEC Partner organizations received environmental merit awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for demonstrating exceptional leadership in electronics stewardship.  Click here to view the accomplishments of these Partners.  SEC Partners were eligible for one of three recognition levels – Bronze, Silver, or Gold – based on completion of SEC program requirements.  U.S. EPA award recipients included:

• Maine’s state government and the City of Keene, New Hampshire achieved silver recognition for purchasing environmentally preferable computers, extending the life of computers through reuse programs, and recycling obsolete equipment at facilities that adhere to environmentally sound management practices.
• City of Providence, Rhode Island, Public Schools received silver recognition for purchasing green computers and reducing the energy consumption of computer units in operation by implementing strategies to better manage and control energy consumption.
• Connecticut’s Department of Environmental Protection and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation were recognized at the bronze level for purchasing environmentally preferable computers. 

In addition to the EPA Regional awards, two Partners were recognized by NERC for their accomplishments:

• The Northeast Kingdom Waste Management District in Vermont achieved Silver recognition for reducing the energy consumption of its computers and recycling obsolete units using a recycler that demonstrates environmentally sound management practices, with an emphasis on reuse.
• The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), while not completing SEC requirements in any program areas, received an Honorable Mention for laying the foundation for future computer purchases statewide.  In 2008, DEM staff was instrumental in incorporating a requirement that all state agencies purchase EPEAT registered computers into the state’s electronics waste legislation. 

The State Electronics Challenge is growing!  As of February 2010, 35 state, regional, and local government agencies, collectively employing over 43,000 people, have joined the SEC as Partners. 

If your organization is interested in joining the Challenge, click here.  For more information, contact Lynn Rubinstein or Patty Dillon at (802) 254-3636.