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Frequently Asked Questions

The State Electronics Challenge

Participation in the SEC

Program Requirements

The State Electronics Challenge

What is the State Electronics Challenge?

The State Electronics Challenge (SEC) is a voluntary program that challenges public entities at the state, regional, and local level to “green” the management of their computer assets. Public entities that take the challenge are referred to as “Partners.” SEC Partners can choose to “green” one or more life-cycle phases of their choice, including purchasing environmentally-preferred computer products, improving power and paper consumption in the equipment use phase, or optimizing the product end-of-life through equipment reuse or recycling. Each year Partners can choose to apply for recognition for their accomplishments.

Who sponsors the State Electronics Challenge?

The State Electronics Challenge (SEC) is funded through a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to the Northeast Recycling Council, Inc. (NERC), a non-profit dedicated to environmental sustainability through waste management and environmentally preferable purchasing. NERC developed and manages the SEC with the assistance of an Advisory Committee that includes representatives from the 10 Northeast states and the Council of State Governments Eastern Regional Conference (CSG/ERC).

Is there any connection between the SEC and the Federal Electronics Challenge?

Yes, the SEC is modeled after the Federal Electronics Challenge (FEC). Only Federal Agencies can be FEC Partners. The SEC creates a parallel program to the FEC adapted to meet the needs of state, regional, and local public entities.

What is the “pilot phase” of the SEC?

The Northeast Recycling Council, Inc. (NERC) received funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to create the SEC and pilot the program in the Northeast states. At the end of the Northeast pilot, NERC will evaluate the SEC and make recommendations for establishing a national program.

What are the goals of the SEC?

The goal of the SEC is to recruit “Partners” that commit to setting goals and implementing activities aimed at improving the environmental stewardship of their electronic assets, including:
- The purchase of environmentally preferable computer products that meet the performance standards of the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT™).
- The use of power management features on computer systems to realize the energy savings of Energy Star® rated computers.
- Extending the lifespan of computers through strategies such as selective upgrades of equipment and donation.
- The recycling of computers in an environmentally sound manner.
What are the benefits of becoming an SEC Partner?

By becoming a Partner, you will be demonstrating environmental leadership in your state, region, and the nation. Your actions as a Partner will have significant environmental impact. The SEC also provides Partners with the tools to get the job done.

What type of electronic equipment is targeted?

Computer equipment is the initial target of the SEC, although Partners can choose to address other types of electronic equipment in addition to computers if they choose. In developing the SEC, the idea was to select achievable and tangible goals that would encourage participation. Computers are ubiquitous in public agencies, and are the first and only product currently addressed by national environmental performance standards for purchasing. As environmental performance standards are developed for other electronic products, these products would become likely candidates for targeted inclusion in the SEC.

Are Partners limited to “greening” computers?

Partners must address the minimum SEC program requirements, many of which target computers, but Partners are not limited to computers.

Participation in the SEC

How does my organization join the SEC?

That’s easy! Just visit the SEC website where you can register online. You can also download the registration form and submit it by fax or mail.

Who can join the SEC as a Partner?

Any entity within state, regional, or local government is eligible to join the State Electronics Challenge. This includes, for example, departments or agencies within state government, counties and cities; school districts or individual public school; public colleges and universities, public hospital; and public utilities. Currently, only public entities within the 10 Northeast states can become SEC Partners.

Can more than one office within an agency be a Partner?

Any facility, office, or department within state, regional, or local government is eligible to register as an SEC Partner. Partners should not overlap, however. For example, if a school district joins the SEC as a Partner, then individual schools within the district are not eligible to be separate Partners, but are already Partners because of the district’s partnership.

Which states are participating in the SEC?

The 10 Northeast states are part of the pilot phase of the SEC, including: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Can private companies join the SEC and contribute to state results?

Currently only public entities are eligible to join the State Electronics Challenge.

Can state and local agencies anywhere in the United States participate?

The SEC is currently in the pilot phase and registration is open only to public entities in the 10 Northeast states. Expansion of the SEC to all U.S. states is planned for the future. However, public entities in any state are encouraged to use the SEC tools and standards and to implement the program on their own.

What if our organization is already recycling computers, can we still participate?

Any public entity in the Northeast can join the SEC, regardless of what programs are already in place. By joining the SEC your organization can get credit for existing programs, while expanding programs or activities in other areas.

Program Requirements

Our organization just registered for the SEC, now what?

Within four weeks of joining the SEC, Partners should submit the Baseline & Annual Reporting Form. Completing this form is a great way to assess your organization’s current activities and open up communication with other departments or functions within your organization. Next, review the Program Requirements Checklist and decide whether you want to work on purchasing, operations & maintenance, end-of-life management, or all three life cycle phases. Then, over the course of the year, implement the program requirements.

Recognition

When can we apply for recognition?

Applications for Recognition are due by January 31 for activities completed between January 1 and December 31 of the previous year.

When do I need to complete the program requirements in order to apply for recognition?

Program requirements should be completed between January 1 and December 31. The Annual Reporting Form and Application for Recognition are due by January 31 for activities completed the previous year.

If we get an award in 2008, are we eligible for awards in future years?

Absolutely! The SEC encourages organizations to continually improve their practices and address additional issues, so why not continue to recognize their efforts! We expect that many Partners will be recognized at the Bronze, or even Silver level, in their first year participating in the SEC. In subsequent years, they might work towards a Gold award, completing program requirements in all three life cycle phases – purchasing, operations and maintenance, and end-of-life management.

Can more than one office within an agency get an award?

Recognition is based on completing program requirements, and will be awarded to all eligible Partners.

SEC Resources

Is there an easy way to be kept informed about the SEC, for example, upcoming teleconferences?

The SEC has set up a listserv to notify Partners of important events such as teleconferences and new resources that are available on the website.

How can I talk to other SEC Partners?

A Discussion Forum is available for Partners to communicate directly with each other. Partners can use the Discussion Forum to ask questions, share ideas, or post announcements.

How does the Discussion Forum work?

Visit the Discussion Forum Web page to register as a participant. Then follow the instructions for posting questions, making suggestions, or reading fellow Partner discussions.

How do I register for a Partner Teleconference?

Just send the following information to info@stateelectronicschallenge.net: your name, organization, email address, and which teleconference you would like to register for. A confirmation and call-in number will be sent to you via email.