New TV labels go beyond Energy Star

A large consortium that includes electronics retailers and manufacturers, the EPA and the Natural Resources Defense Council has agreed to start labeling TVs with environmental impact ratings that are based on criteria beyond energy efficiency such as mercury, lead and other toxic content.

The labeling system is being called E-PEAT-for-TV after the E-PEAT labeling system for computers that is used for all government computer purchases. The rating system will be developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and administered by the Green Electronics Council and should start appearing on TVs in the next 18 to 24 months.

The labeling system met a lot of resistance from manufacturers, but the long time-line to get the labels in place will most likely be to their benefit. Many consumers will be buying new digital TVs as the switch from analog to digital broadcast signals takes place on June 12, which means lots of sales long before the labels show up.

No word yet on the exact criteria and ranking system, but it will likely be similar to the standards used for the original E-PEAT.

via Green Inc.