Blue Angel - Laptops & Co.

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Credibility

Environment

Socio-Economic

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Credibility

Environment

Socio-Economic

Aim/Focus
Standard organisation
Good to know

The aim of the Blue Angel for computers (DE-UZ 78,) is to distinguish devices that have low energy consumption, durable and recyclable construction and avoid environmentally harmful materials.

The standard is issued by the Federal Ministry for the Environment. The Federal Environment Agency provides the Blue Angel office and develops the criteria. The independent Eco-label Jury decides on the criteria. RAL GmbH, a subsidiary of German Institute for Quality Assurance and Certification, awards the Blue Angel.

This is a product certification, i.e. the label is located on the product.

Credibility 62%

Availability of Scheme Structure
Independence of Scheme Owner from Certificate Holder
Availability of Standard
Public Consultation of Standard

From March 2025, the required level of ambition for this minimum criterion will increase from 'basic' to 'advanced'.
Standard Review
Scheme Legal Status
Sources of Finance
Standard-Setting Process
Assessment Methodology
Sustainability Goals and Objectives of the Scheme
Key Issues
Stakeholder Feedback
Consistent Interpretation
Scheme Accessibility
Assurance Provider Complaints and Appeals Mechanism

From March 2025, the required level of ambition for this minimum criterion will increase from 'basic' to 'advanced'.
Assessment Reports Availability
Scope and Duration of Certificate / License
Certified or Verified Enterprise / Labelled Product List

From March 2025, the required level of ambition for this minimum criterion will increase from 'basic' to 'advanced'.
Accredited/ Approved Assurance Providers
Independent Conformity Assessment

From March 2025, the required level of ambition for this minimum criterion will increase from 'basic' to 'advanced'.
Consistent Decision-Making on Conformity
Procedure on Non-Conformities
Claims and Labelling Policy

Scheme Management

14/17
- Governance
  
  11/12
  - Does the scheme owner make its organisational structure publicly available, including composition of governance bodies?
    Answer: Yes publicly
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    Yes (on request) (0 points)
    
    Yes publicly (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
  - Is the scheme owner a legal entity, or an organization that is a partnership of legal entities, or a government or inter-governmental agency?
    Answer: yes
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    yes (1 point)
  - Is there a mechanism for stakeholders to participate in scheme development and decision-making?
    Answer: Yes available on request
    
    Score: 1/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    Yes available publicly (2 points)
    
    Yes available on request (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
  - Do the voting procedures of the top decision-making body ensure that there is a balanced representation of stakeholder interests, where no single interest predominates?
    Answer: yes
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    yes (1 point)
  - Does the scheme owner make quantitative information on the income sources or financing structure of the scheme available?
    Answer: Yes publicly
    
    Score: 2/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    Yes (on request) (1 point)
    
    Yes publicly (2 points)
    
    No (0 points)
  - Does the scheme owner have an internal quality management system available?
    Answer: Yes (on request)
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    Yes (on request) (1 point)
    
    Yes publicly (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
  - Is the scheme owner economically independent from the certificate holder?
    Answer: yes
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    yes (1 point)
  - Does the scheme owner have sustainability-oriented goals and objectives?
    Answer: yes
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    yes (1 point)
  - Does the scheme owner have a strategy for meeting its sustainability-oriented goals and objectives?
    Answer: Yes publicly
    
    Score: 2/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (on request) (1 point)
    
    Yes publicly (2 points)
- Impact
  
  2/3
  - Does the scheme owner have a system in place for measuring its impacts and progress towards its sustainability goals?
    Answer: Yes publicly
    
    Score: 2/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (on request) (1 point)
    
    Yes publicly (2 points)
  - Does the scheme owner use the results of monitoring and evaluation for learning and improvements to its programme?
    Answer: No
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    yes (1 point)
  - Does the scheme owner make sustainability results from M&E available?
    Answer: Not applicable
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (on request) (1 point)
    
    Yes publicly (2 points)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
- Complaints Mechanism
  
  0/1
  - Does the scheme owner have a publicly available and easily accessible complaints mechanism?
    Answer: No
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (1 point)
- Supporting Strategies
  
  1/1
  - Does the scheme implement strategies or activities to support improved performance of participating enterprises, e.g. capacity building, access to finance?
    Answer: Yes
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    Not Applicable (0 points)
Standard-Setting

10/11
- Is the standard made publicly available free of charge?
  Answer: Yes publicly
  
  Score: 1/1
  Possible answers
  
  Yes (on request) (0 points)
  
  Yes publicly (1 point)
  
  No (0 points)
- Has a set of key sustainability issues in the sector where the scheme operates or product lifecycle been defined in the standard-setting process?
  Answer: yes
  
  Score: 1/1
  Possible answers
  
  No (0 points)
  
  yes (1 point)
- Is the standard-setting procedure or a summary of the process for how stakeholders can engage in standard-setting made publicly available?
  Answer: Yes publicly
  
  Score: 1/1
  Possible answers
  
  Yes (on request) (0 points)
  
  Yes publicly (1 point)
  
  No (0 points)
- Can stakeholders participate in the standard-setting process?
  Answer: All stakeholders
  
  Score: 2/2
  Possible answers
  
  Members only (1 point)
  
  Invitation only (1 point)
  
  All stakeholders (2 points)
- Are stakeholders who are directly affected by the standard provided opportunities to participate in standard setting?
  Answer: yes
  
  Score: 1/1
  Possible answers
  
  No (0 points)
  
  yes (1 point)
- Are draft standards field tested / piloted for relevance and auditability through the development and revision processes?
  Answer: Not applicable
  Possible answers
  
  Yes (1 point)
  
  No (0 points)
  
  Not applicable (0 points)
- Does the scheme owner provide information on how the input received from consultations has been included in the final version of the standard?
  Answer: Yes (on request)
  
  Score: 1/2
  Possible answers
  
  Yes (on request) (1 point)
  
  Yes publicly (2 points)
  
  No (0 points)
- Do the voting procedures of the decision-making body responsible for standard setting ensure that there is a balanced representation of stakeholder interests?
  Answer: yes
  
  Score: 1/1
  Possible answers
  
  No (0 points)
  
  yes (1 point)
- Is the standard reviewed and, if necessary, revised at least every 5 years?
  Answer: yes
  
  Score: 1/1
  Possible answers
  
  No (0 points)
  
  yes (1 point)
- Does the scheme ensure that guidance is in place to support consistent interpretation of the standard?
  Answer: yes
  
  Score: 1/1
  Possible answers
  
  No (0 points)
  
  yes (1 point)
- Are there procedures and guidance for application or interpretation of the standard to regional contexts?
  Answer: Not applicable
  Possible answers
  
  Yes (1 point)
  
  No (0 points)
  
  Not applicable (0 points)
Assurance

28/59
- Assurance System
  
  14/18
  - Is there a publicly available documented assessment methodology for assurance providers to assess conformity with the standard?
    Answer: Yes publicly available
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes available on request (0 points)
    
    Yes publicly available (1 point)
  - Is application (to get certified/verified) open to all potential applicants within the scope of the scheme?
    Answer: yes
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    yes (1 point)
  - Does the scheme owner provide information on assessment fees or require this of assurance providers?
    Answer: Yes publicly available
    
    Score: 2/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes available on request (1 point)
    
    Yes publicly available (2 points)
  - Does the scheme owner require assurance providers to have an easily accessible complaints and appeals mechanism?
    Answer: Yes available on request
    
    Score: 1/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes available on request (1 point)
    
    Yes publicly available (2 points)
  - Does the scheme owner make, or require assurance providers to make a summary of certification/verification reports (with personal and commercially sensitive information removed) available?
    Answer: Yes publicly
    
    Score: 2/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (no reports) (0 points)
    
    No (confidential) (1 point)
    
    Yes (on request) (2 points)
    
    Yes publicly (2 points)
  - Does the certificate or license define the scope of assurance and duration for which it is valid?
    Answer: yes
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    yes (1 point)
  - Does the scheme owner maintain or require assurance providers to maintain a publicly accessible list of certified or verified enterprises, or a list of verified products/product groups, or a list of members (in case of membership-based initiatives)?
    Answer: Yes incl. scope of certificate or license
    
    Score: 2/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes incl. scope of certificate or license (2 points)
  - Does the scheme owner maintain a current and publicly available list of all accredit-ed/approved/suspended assurance providers?
    Answer: Yes (publicly)
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (on request) (0 points)
    
    Yes (publicly) (1 point)
  - Does the scheme owner review the effectiveness of their assurance system on a periodic basis?
    Answer: Annual
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    Annual (1 point)
    
    Every 3 years (1 point)
    
    Every 5 years (1 point)
    
    Ad hoc (0 points)
  - Does the scheme owner require that clients and other affected stakeholders are notified of changes to the assurance requirements?
    Answer: yes
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    yes (1 point)
  - Does the scheme require performance improvements over time to maintain certification?
    Answer: No
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    yes (1 point)
  - Does the scheme owner have a documented assessment methodology for assurance providers that are assessing chain of custody?
    Answer: Not applicable
    
    Possible answers
    
    yes publicly available (2 points)
    
    yes available on request (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Does the scheme owner require assurance providers to report to them on complaints received and, on the actions, taken to resolve the issue?
    Answer: No
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (1 point)
  - Does the scheme owner maintain an information management system?
    Answer: No
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (1 point)
  - Has the scheme specified equivalence requirements for any other scheme assurance results it recognises?
    Answer: Yes
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
- Conformity Assessment
  
  12/20
  - Conformity Assessment Process
    
    4/4
    - Does the scheme require a third-party conformity assessment of all clients for compliance with its standard?
      Answer: Yes
      
      Score: 2/2
      
      Possible answers
      
      No (0 points)
      
      Yes (2 points)
      
      Not Applicable (0 points)
    - Does the scheme owner define requirements for decision-making to ensure that assurance providers use consistent procedures for determining the conformity of clients or laboratory testing results with the standard?
      Answer: Yes
      
      Score: 1/1
      
      Possible answers
      
      Yes (1 point)
      
      No (0 points)
    - Does the scheme owner require assurance providers to have a procedure in place for how clients are required to address non-conformities, including when a certificate or license is suspended or revoked?
      Answer: yes
      
      Score: 1/1
      
      Possible answers
      
      No (0 points)
      
      yes (1 point)
  - Sustainability Audits
    
    5/9
    - Does the scheme owner have a documented oversight approach that requires assurance providers to be accredited or compliant with ISO/IEC 17065, ISO/IEC 17021, ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17025 (for laboratories) requirements, or alternatively to be compliant with the relevant ISEAL Assurance Code requirements?
      Answer: Yes
      
      Score: 1/1
      
      Possible answers
      
      No (0 points)
      
      Yes (1 point)
      
      Not Applicable (0 points)
    - Does the scheme owner require that clients are audited on a regular, recurring basis?
      Answer: 4-5 years
      
      Score: 1/1
      
      Possible answers
      
      1 year or less (1 point)
      
      1-2 years (1 point)
      
      2-3 years (1 point)
      
      4-5 years (1 point)
      
      5 years or more (1 point)
      
      Not applicable (0 points)
    - Is the frequency or intensity of an audit or oversight assessment based on a risk assessment of the client or assurance provider?
      Answer: No
      
      Score: 0/1
      
      Possible answers
      
      Yes (1 point)
      
      No (0 points)
      
      Not applicable (0 points)
    - Does the scheme owner specify the required intensity for each type of audit and the activities that must be carried out by assurance providers for each of its standards?
      Answer: Yes
      
      Score: 1/1
      
      Possible answers
      
      No (0 points)
      
      Yes (1 point)
      
      Not Applicable (0 points)
    - Does the scheme owner allow or require assurance providers to do unannounced audits?
      Answer: Not allowed
      
      Score: 0/2
      
      Possible answers
      
      Allowed (1 point)
      
      Required (2 points)
      
      Not allowed (0 points)
      
      Not applicable (0 points)
    - Are auditors and assessors required to seek external stakeholder input during the audit and oversight assessment process?
      Answer: No
      
      Score: 0/1
      
      Possible answers
      
      No (0 points)
      
      Yes (1 point)
      
      Not Applicable (0 points)
    - Does the scheme owner require assurance providers to follow a consistent report format?
      Answer: Yes
      
      Score: 1/1
      
      Possible answers
      
      Yes (1 point)
      
      No (0 points)
      
      Not applicable (0 points)
    - Does the scheme owner require that assurance providers and oversight bodies use competent and impartial personnel (other than auditor/assessor/ team) to make decisions on compliance?
      Answer: Yes
      
      Score: 1/1
      
      Possible answers
      
      Yes (1 point)
      
      No (0 points)
      
      Not applicable (0 points)
  - Group Certification
    
    0/4
    - Is the group required to have a shared management system with clear responsibilities for implementation of the system?
      Answer: No
      
      Score: 0/1
      
      Possible answers
      
      Yes (1 point)
      
      No (0 points)
      
      Not applicable (0 points)
    - Does the scheme owner have a mechanism that prescribes and justifies how all sites within a group certification will be audited over time?
      Answer: No
      
      Score: 0/1
      
      Possible answers
      
      No (0 points)
      
      Yes (1 point)
      
      Not applicable (0 points)
    - Is there a sample size formula and sampling approach to determine the number of group members that is externally verified and how the sample is chosen?
      Answer: No
      
      Score: 0/2
      
      Possible answers
      
      No (0 points)
      
      Yes (1 point)
      
      Yes based on risk assessment (2 points)
      
      Not applicable (0 points)
    - Do the requirements on group certification/verification define the conditions under which a group member shall be suspended or removed from a group?
      Answer: Not applicable
      
      Possible answers
      
      Member suspended from certification (1 point)
      
      Member removed from a group (1 point)
      
      Group suspension (1 point)
      
      No repercussion (0 points)
      
      Not applicable (0 points)
  - Chain of Custody
    
    0/0
    - Does the scheme owner require all enterprises that are physically handling the certified product to undergo a CoC audit if the product can be destined for retail sale as a certified, labelled product?
      Answer: Not applicable
      
      Possible answers
      
      Yes (1 point)
      
      No (0 points)
      
      Not applicable (0 points)
  - Laboratory Testing
    
    3/3
    - In the documented assessment methodology, are test methods either referred to or included?
      Answer: Yes publicly
      
      Score: 1/1
      
      Possible answers
      
      No (0 points)
      
      Yes (on request) (1 point)
      
      Yes publicly (1 point)
      
      Not applicable (0 points)
    - Are there rules on random sampling and testing for the conformity monitoring?
      Answer: Yes
      
      Score: 1/1
      
      Possible answers
      
      No (0 points)
      
      Yes (1 point)
      
      Not applicable (0 points)
    - Is there a procedure to deal with non-conforming products manufactured by a client / licensee?
      Answer: Yes
      
      Score: 1/1
      
      Possible answers
      
      Yes (1 point)
      
      No (0 points)
      
      Not applicable (0 points)
- Assessor/ Auditor Competencies
  
  0/8
  - Does the scheme owner define the qualifications, competency, the required minimum industry audit experience and training requirements for assurance / oversight assessors?
    Answer: No
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    Not Applicable (0 points)
  - Does the scheme owner define the qualifications, competency, the required minimum industry audit experience and training requirements for assurance / oversight assessors?
    Answer: No
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (1 point)
  - Does the scheme owner require that assurance provider auditors successfully complete auditor training on a standard that is relevant to the scheme and that is based on ISO 19011, or equivalent?
    Answer: No Information available
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Does the scheme owner require that assurance and oversight providers implement a programme to monitor and ensure the continued competence and good performance of assessors and auditors?
    Answer: No Information available
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Does the scheme owner carry out or require assurance providers to carry out calibration activities to ensure that assessors /auditors are aligned?
    Answer: No Information available
    
    Score: 0/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    Annually (2 points)
    
    Ad Hoc (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Does the scheme owner require that assurance providers have a Code of Conduct, or equivalent, and supporting procedures to guide behaviour and actions of assurance providers' personnel and to address misconduct
    Answer: No Information available
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Does the scheme owner assess potential risks to auditor / assessor impartiality and where warranted, do they require assurance providers and oversight bodies to implement practices to mitigate these risks?
    Answer: No
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (1 point)
- Accreditation / Oversight
  
  2/13
  - Does the scheme require an oversight mechanism and is it documented?
    Answer: Yes
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    Not Applicable (0 points)
  - Is oversight conducted by a third party independent of the scheme owner and assurance providers?
    Answer: Yes
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Does the scheme define the nature and intensity of oversight activities on assurance providers?
    Answer: None
    
    Score: 0/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    <1 year (2 points)
    
    1 year (2 points)
    
    2-3 years (2 points)
    
    4-5 years (1 point)
    
    >5 years (1 point)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
    
    None (0 points)
  - Does the intensity of oversight activities take account of risk factors associated with the assurance providers and their personnel?
    Answer: No
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Does the scheme owner clearly define the application and selection process for assurance providers?
    Answer: No
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Does the scheme owner assess scheme-specific competence when accepting assurance providers that are accredited to other relevant standards (proxy accreditation)?
    Answer: No
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    Yes assess scheme-specific competence (1 point)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Does the scheme have or require oversight providers to have documented and accessible complaints and appeals mechanisms?
    Answer: No
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Does the scheme owner define or request that oversight providers define how assurance providers have to address non-conformities raised through oversight?
    Answer: No
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Does the scheme owner require that summaries of oversight reports (with personal and commercially sensitive information removed) are made publicly available?
    Answer: No
    
    Score: 0/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (on request) (1 point)
    
    Yes publicly (2 points)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Does the scheme owner require that on-site assessments of assurance providers are included in the oversight cycle?
    Answer: No
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Does the scheme owner require that oversight includes reviews of assurance provider performance in the field?
    Answer: No
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
Claims & Traceability

4/4
- Traceability
  
  0/0
  - Does the scheme owner have a documented Chain of Custody standard or other traceability requirements that apply to the full supply chain?
    Answer: Not applicable
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes available on request (1 point)
    
    Yes publicly available (2 points)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Are there any CoC requirements for non-certified material, in case mixing of certified with uncertified inputs is allowed?
    Answer: Not applicable
    
    Possible answers
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Does the scheme owner require assurance providers to verify that all enterprises within the chain maintain accurate and accessible records that allow any certified product or batch of products to be traceable from the point of sale to the buyer?
    Answer: Not applicable
    
    Possible answers
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Are companies required to keep CoC records for at least the term of certificate validity?
    Answer: Not applicable
    
    Possible answers
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Does the scheme have a traceability system that enables checking of product flow between links of the supply chain?
    Answer: Not applicable
    
    Possible answers
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
- Claims & Labelling
  
  4/4
  - Does the scheme owner have documented requirements for the use of its symbols, logos and/or claims related to its scheme and make them publicly available?
    Answer: Yes
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    Not Applicable (0 points)
  - Do claims requirements specify the types of claims that can be made for different types of CoC models, where the scheme owner allows for more than one model?
    Answer: Not applicable
    
    Possible answers
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Are claims and label users required to use unique license numbers or other tracking mechanisms?
    Answer: Not applicable
    
    Possible answers
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Does the scheme owner require surveillance of the accurate use of claims and labels in the market, including a complaints mechanism to report misuse?
    Answer: Yes
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Is the label accompanied by an explanatory text claim or a link to further information?
    Answer: Yes
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    Yes (1 point)
    
    No (0 points)
    
    Not applicable (0 points)
  - Does the scheme have a procedure that defines specific consequences of misuse of claims and do they also require this of their assurance providers?
    Answer: yes
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    No (0 points)
    
    yes (1 point)

Environment 63%

Extension of Product Lifetime
Restriction of hazardous chemicals
Power Consumption and Management (Use phase)
Recycling friendly design

Chemicals

8/10
- Chemical Use
  
  8/10
  - Does the standard include criteria on chemicals listed on the REACH Candidate List as substances of very high concern?
    Answer: Advanced: Prohibit use except for defined derogations.
    
    Degree of Obligation: Immediately
    
    Score: 2/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    Basic: Restrict use (1 point)
    
    Advanced: Prohibit use except for defined derogations. (2 points)
    Excerpt from standard:
    
    1.4 Basic Legal Provisions It shall be a matter of course for Blue Angel eco-labelled products to comply with current laws and regulations, especially the following ones, as amended: (...) • Substance requirements defined by the EU Chemicals Regulation REACH (EC/1907/2006) and the POP Regulation (EC/850/2004) [Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)] (...) 3.4.1 Plastics used in Housings and Housing Parts The plastics used in housings and housing parts must not contain, as constituent components, any substances with the following characteristics: a) Substances that have been identified as substances of very high concern according to Regulation (EC) No 1906/2006 (REACH) 8 and have been included in the list (so-called Candidate List) set up in accordance with REACH, Article 59(1).16 (...) The following shall be exempt from this requirement: • fluoroorganic additives (as, for example, anti-dripping agents) used to improve the physical properties of plastics, provided that they do not exceed 0.5 weight percent; • plastic parts weighing 25 grams or less, where - with regard to keyboards - the total weight of all key caps shall be the decisive factor in determining the mass.
    
    Referenzdokumente:
    
    1.4 Basic Legal Provisions .......................................................................................... 6 3.4.1 Plastics used in Housings and Housing Parts ....................................................... 12
  - Does the standard include criteria on the use of flame retardants?
    Answer: Advanced: Prohibit use
    
    Degree of Obligation: Immediately
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    Basic: Restrict use (0 points)
    
    Advanced: Prohibit use (1 point)
    Excerpt from standard:
    
    Halogenated polymers shall not be permitted in housings and housing parts. Nor may halogenated organic compounds be added as flame retardants. Nor shall any flame retardants be permitted which are classified under the CLP Regulation as carcinogenic of Category Carc. 2 or as hazardous to waters of Category Aquatic Chronic 1. The hazard statements (H-phrases) assigned to the hazard categories can be seen from Appendix B: Assignment of Hazard Categories and Hazard Statements. The following shall be exempt from this requirement: • fluoroorganic additives (as, for example, anti-dripping agents) used to improve the physical properties of plastics, provided that they do not exceed 0.5 weight percent; • plastic parts weighing 25 grams or less, where - with regard to keyboards - the total weight of all key caps shall be the decisive factor in determining the mass.
    
    Referenzdokumente:
    
    3.4.1 Plastics used in Housings and Housing Parts ....................................................... 12
  - Does the standard include criteria on H statements H400, H410, H411?
    Answer: Basic: Prohibit use for some applications
    
    Degree of Obligation: Immediately
    
    Score: 1/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    Basic: Prohibit use for some applications (1 point)
    
    Advanced: Prohibit use for all applications (2 points)
    Excerpt from standard:
    
    Halogenated polymers shall not be permitted in housings and housing parts. Nor may halogenated organic compounds be added as flame retardants. Nor shall any flame retardants be permitted which are classified under the CLP Regulation as carcinogenic of Category Carc. 2 or as hazardous to waters of Category Aquatic Chronic 1. The hazard statements (H-phrases) assigned to the hazard categories can be seen from Appendix B: Assignment of Hazard Categories and Hazard Statements. The following shall be exempt from this requirement: • fluoroorganic additives (as, for example, anti-dripping agents) used to improve the physical properties of plastics, provided that they do not exceed 0.5 weight percent; • plastic parts weighing 25 grams or less, where - with regard to keyboards - the total weight of all key caps shall be the decisive factor in determining the mass. Appendix B Assignment of Hazard Categories and Hazard Statements The following table assigns the respective hazard statements (H statements) to the hazard categories of the substances generally excluded. Environmentally Hazardous Substances Aquatic Chronic 1 H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
    
    Referenzdokumente:
    
    3.4.1 Plastics used in Housings and Housing Parts ....................................................... 12 Appendix B Assignment of Hazard Categories and Hazard Statements .............................. 24
  - Does the standard include criteria on H statements?
    Answer: Advanced: Prohibit use for H statements as well as additional H statements for all applications
    
    Degree of Obligation: Immediately
    
    Score: 2/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    Basic: Prohibit use for some applications (1 point)
    
    Advanced: Prohibit use for H statements as well as additional H statements for all applications (2 points)
    Excerpt from standard:
    
    3.4.1 Plastics used in Housings and Housing Parts The plastics used in housings and housing parts must not contain, as constituent components, any substances with the following characteristics: (...) b) Substances that have been classified according to the CLP Regulation17 in the following hazard categories or meet the criteria for such classification:  carcinogenic of category Carc. 1A or Carc. 1B  mutagenic of category Muta. 1A or Muta. 1  reprotoxic of category Repr. 1A or Repr. 1B. Halogenated polymers shall not be permitted in housings and housing parts. Nor may halogenated organic compounds be added as flame retardants. Nor shall any flame retardants be permitted which are classified under the CLP Regulation as carcinogenic of Category Carc. 2 or as hazardous to waters of Category Aquatic Chronic 1. The hazard statements (H-phrases) assigned to the hazard categories can be seen from Appendix B: Assignment of Hazard Categories and Hazard Statements. The following shall be exempt from this requirement: • fluoroorganic additives (as, for example, anti-dripping agents) used to improve the physical properties of plastics, provided that they do not exceed 0.5 weight percent; • plastic parts weighing 25 grams or less, where - with regard to keyboards - the total weight of all key caps shall be the decisive factor in determining the mass.
    
    Referenzdokumente:
    
    3.4.1 Plastics used in Housings and Housing Parts ....................................................... 12
  - Does the standard include a list of substances which are of low concern for the intended use?
    Answer: No
    
    Degree of Obligation: Not covered
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
  - Does the standard include criteria on the use of mercury, cadmium, lead, chromiumVI?
    Answer: Yes
    
    Degree of Obligation: Immediately
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    Excerpt from standard:
    
    1.4 Basic Legal Provisions It shall be a matter of course for Blue Angel eco-labelled products to comply with current laws and regulations, especially the following ones, as amended: (...) • RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU)6 governing the contents of hazardous substances in the products transposed into German law by the German Elektro- und Elektronikgeräte-Stoff- Verordnung (ElektroStoffV) (Ordinance on the Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment)7,
    
    Referenzdokumente:
    
    1.4 Basic Legal Provisions .......................................................................................... 6
  - Does the scheme include criteria on other substances which have impact on human health and the environment?
    Answer: Yes
    
    Degree of Obligation: Immediately
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    Excerpt from standard:
    
    Halogenated polymers shall not be permitted in housings and housing parts. Nor may halogenated organic compounds be added as flame retardants
    
    Referenzdokumente:
    
    3.4.1 Plastics used in Housings and Housing Parts ....................................................... 12
Inputs

0/3
- Does the standard include criteria on environmental responsible mining practices?
  Answer: No Information available
  
  Degree of Obligation: Not covered
  
  Score: 0/1
  Possible answers
  
  Basic (1 point)
  
  Advanced: Implement risk assessments (1 point)
- Does the scheme include criteria on the use of postconsumer recycled content in the product or packaging?
  Answer: No Information available
  
  Degree of Obligation: Recommended
  
  Score: 0/2
  Possible answers
  
  Basic: Information on postconsumer recycled content in product or packaging (1 point)
  
  Advanced: Postconsumer recycled content in product ≥ 10% (2 points)
  Excerpt from standard:
  
  3.3.2 Material Selection • (Post-consumer) recyclate material may be used in housing parts and chassis. It may be used on a percentage basis.
  
  Referenzdokumente:
  
  3.3.2 Material Selection ........................................................................................... 11
Energy and Climate

2/6
- Climate Change Mitigation
  
  2/6
  - Does the standard include criteria on energy consumption in the production phase?
    Answer: No Information available
    
    Degree of Obligation: Not covered
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    Basic (1 point)
    
    Advanced: Measurement of energy consumption of the main nine suppliers (1 point)
  - Does the standard include criteria on the usage of renewable energy in the production phase of the hardware?
    Answer: No Information available
    
    Degree of Obligation: Not covered
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    Basic (0 points)
    
    Advanced: Balance sheet of electricity usage or comparable evidence for selected major suppliers of hardware components that purchased electricity leads to additional environmental benefits (1 point)
  - Does the standard include criteria on power consumption and power management (during the use phase)?
    Answer: Basic: Energy efficiency criteria equivalent to current version of energy star OR criteria meet EU Regulation including requirements effecting on 1 January 2016
    
    Degree of Obligation: Immediately
    
    Score: 1/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    Basic: Energy efficiency criteria equivalent to current version of energy star OR criteria meet EU Regulation including requirements effecting on 1 January 2016 (1 point)
    
    Advanced: Energy efficiency criteria stricter than current version of energy star OR criteria are stricter than EU Regulation including requirements effecting on 1 January 2016. (2 points)
    Excerpt from standard:
    
    3.1 Energy and Power Consumption of Computers Computers, as defined in para. 1.5.1 shall meet ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computers applicable to the specific type of computer, as amended at the time of application (current version: 6.1). Compliance Verification The applicant shall declare in Annex 1 to the Contract that the product meets all applicable ENERGY STAR requirements for computers as well as those laid down in the Ecodesign Regulation for Computers and Computer Servers ((EU) No 617/2013). Also, the applicant shall specify the admissible maximum value (ETEC_MAX or PTEC_MAX) as well as the typical annual energy consumption (ETEC or PTEC) of the device determined in accordance with the ENERGY STAR specifications as well as the power consumption in the various operating modes in Watts. The measurements shall be made in compliance with the current ENERGY STAR requirements for computers (current version: 6.1)13 . The applicant shall present test reports prepared by an independent testing laboratory accredited for these measurements according to DIN EN ISO/EC 17025 as Annex 2 to the Contract. Test reports prepared by the applicant will be accepted as equivalent if the latter uses a testing laboratory that has been accredited for these measurements by an independent body as Supervised Manufacturer’s Testing (SMT) Laboratory.
    
    Referenzdokumente:
    
    3 General Requirements ............................................................................................ 9 3.1 Energy and Power Consumption of Computers ......................................................... 9
  - Does the standard include criteria on providing information concerning possible power savings to the user?
    Answer: Yes
    
    Degree of Obligation: Immediately
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    Excerpt from standard:
    
    3.6 Product Documents (...) The product documents shall at least provide the following user information: a) Energy consumption (ETEC) in kilowatt hours per year (kWh/a) as well the power consumption in different operating modes according to para. 3.1 Energy and Power Consumption of Computers. Also included shall be instructions for setting the devices into energy-saving operating modes as well as information on further energy-saving options (e.g. reduction of screen brightness, complete disconnection from the mains). If a maximum power value is set for computers in accordance with ENERGY STAR - instead of energy consumption (ETEC) - the product documents shall give the measured power values (in watts): PTEC for workstations and PLONG_IDLE as well as POFF for small-scale servers.
    
    Referenzdokumente:
    
    3.7 Consumer Information / User Manual
  - Does the scheme include requirements for the reduction of GHG emissions?
    Answer: No Information available
    
    Degree of Obligation: Not covered
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    Basic: Standard requires information on F-GHG emission from suppliers. (1 point)
    
    Advanced (0 points)
Waste and Air Pollution

5/7
- Waste management
  
  5/7
  - Does the standard include criteria on waste management in the production phase?
    Answer: No
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    Excerpt from standard:
    
    1.3 Objectives of the Environmental Label Climate protection, reduction of energy consumption, greater resource efficiency and the avoidance of pollutants and waste are key objectives of environmental protection.
    
    Referenzdokumente:
    
    1.3 Objectives of the Environmental Label .................................................................... 6
  - Does the standard include criteria on clear coding of used materials?
    Answer: Yes
    
    Degree of Obligation: Immediately
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    Excerpt from standard:
    
    3.3.2 Material Selection (...) • Plastic parts with an mass greater than 25 grams each and an even surface area of more than 200 sq.mm. must be permanently marked in accordance with ISO 11469 with due regard to ISO 1043, Parts 1 to 4. Transparent plastic parts the function of which requires transparency (e.g. visible plastic films in displays) shall be exempt from marking according to ISO 11469.
    
    Referenzdokumente:
    
    3.3.2 Material Selection ........................................................................................... 11
  - Does the standard include criteria on the recyclability of plastics used?
    Answer: Advanced: At least two of the listed aspects are covered
    
    Degree of Obligation: Immediately
    
    Score: 2/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    Basic: One of the listed aspects are covered (1 point)
    
    Advanced: At least two of the listed aspects are covered (2 points)
    Excerpt from standard:
    
    3.3.2 Material Selection • The following applies to plastic parts with a mass greater than 25 grams as well as to key caps, provided that their total mass is greater than 25 grams: A maximum of 4 types of plastic may be used for these parts. The plastic housings may consist of two separable polymers or polymer blends at the most. (...) • It shall not be permitted to apply metallic coatings to plastic housing parts. Exception: plastic housing parts of notebook computers may have a metallic coating provided that such coating is technically required. However, galvanic coatings of plastic housing parts shall not be permitted. (...) • 90% of the mass of plastics and of the metals of housing parts and chassis must be recyclable by material (this does not mean the recovery of thermal energy by incineration).
    
    Referenzdokumente:
    
    3.3.2 Material Selection ........................................................................................... 11
  - Does the standard include criteria on disassembly of the product for recycling?
    Answer: Yes
    
    Degree of Obligation: Immediately
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    Excerpt from standard:
    
    3.3 Recyclable Design 3.3.1 Structure and Connection Technology The following applies to computers and keyboards: • The devices to be Blue Angel eco-labelled must be so designed as to allow easy disassembly for recycling purposes to make sure that housing parts, Chassis, batteries (if any), display units (if any) and printed circuit boards can be separated as fractions from materials of other functional units and, if possible, recycled by the type of material. They shall be so designed as to allow manual disassembly by a waste disposal company by the use of universal tools 14 and it shall be possible for a single person to disassemble the device. • Batteries/accumulators (if any) must be easy to remove without the use of any tools or with the use of universal tools. • Electrical/electronic components must be easy to remove from the housing. 3.3.2 Material Selection • The following applies to plastic parts with a mass greater than 25 grams as well as to key caps, provided that their total mass is greater than 25 grams: A maximum of 4 types of plastic may be used for these parts. The plastic housings may consist of two separable polymers or polymer blends at the most. • Plastic parts with an mass greater than 25 grams each and an even surface area of more than 200 sq.mm. must be permanently marked in accordance with ISO 11469 with due regard to ISO 1043, Parts 1 to 4. Transparent plastic parts the function of which requires transparency (e.g. visible plastic films in displays) shall be exempt from marking according to ISO 11469. • It shall not be permitted to apply metallic coatings to plastic housing parts. Exception: plastic housing parts of notebook computers may have a metallic coating provided that such coating is technically required. However, galvanic coatings of plastic housing parts shall not be permitted. • (Post-consumer) recyclate material may be used in housing parts and chassis. It may be used on a percentage basis. • 90% of the mass of plastics and of the metals of housing parts and chassis must be recyclable by material (this does not mean the recovery of thermal energy by incineration).
    
    Referenzdokumente:
    
    3.3 Recyclable Design ............................................................................................. 11 3.3.1 Structure and Connection Technology ............................................................... 11 3.3.2 Material Selection ........................................................................................... 11
  - Does the standard include criteria on a take back system for the product?
    Answer: No
    
    Degree of Obligation: Recommended
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
    Excerpt from standard:
    
    1.4 Basic Legal Provisions It shall be a matter of course for Blue Angel eco-labelled products to comply with current laws and regulations, especially the following ones, as amended: (...) • WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU)4, transposed into German law by the German Elektro- und Elektronikgesetz (ElektroG)5 (Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act) governing the disposal of electronic devices, 3.6 Product Documents The product documents included with the computer shall include both the technical specifications and the environment and health-related user information. (...) e) Instructions for environmentally sound disposal at the end of the life cycle in accordance with the German Elektrogesetz (Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act), f) Information on manufacturer-operated product take-back programs to allow reuse (if any),
    
    Referenzdokumente:
    
    1.4 Basic Legal Provisions .......................................................................................... 6 3.6 Product Documents ........................................................................................... 15
  - Does the scheme include criteria on consumer information on the sustainable use and disposal of the product?
    Answer: Advanced: Consumer Information on the sustainable use of the product
    
    Degree of Obligation: Immediately
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    
    Basic: Information provided to consumers on the disposal of the product (1 point)
    
    Advanced: Consumer Information on the sustainable use of the product (1 point)
    Excerpt from standard:
    
    1.4 Basic Legal Provisions It shall be a matter of course for Blue Angel eco-labelled products to comply with current laws and regulations, especially the following ones, as amended: (...) • WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU)4, transposed into German law by the German Elektro- und Elektronikgesetz (ElektroG)5 (Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act) governing the disposal of electronic devices, (...) 3.6 Product Documents The product documents included with the computer shall include both the technical specifications and the environment and health-related user information. (...) The product documents shall at least provide the following user information: (...) e) Instructions for environmentally sound disposal at the end of the life cycle in accordance with the German Elektrogesetz (Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act), f) Information on manufacturer-operated product take-back programs to allow reuse (if any), g) If the computer is a notebook computer the product documents shall additionally include information according to para. 4 (Special Requirements for Notebook Computers): (...)  A note advising the user that batteries/accumulators must not be disposed of with the normal household waste but instead should be taken to a waste collection facility.
    
    Referenzdokumente:
    
    1.4 Basic Legal Provisions .......................................................................................... 6 3.6 Product Documents ........................................................................................... 15
Environmental Management

0/2
- Does the standard include criteria on environmental policy or management instruments (like EMAS or ISO 14001)?
  Answer: No Information available
  
  Degree of Obligation: Not covered
  
  Score: 0/2
  Possible answers
  
  Basic: Verification (self-declaration) of final manufacturing plant (1 point)
  
  Advanced: Certification (third party) of final manufacturing plant (2 points)
Quality

2/2
- Quality and Suitability
  
  1/1
  - Does the standard include criteria on the fitness for use of the product for the intended purpose?
    Answer: Yes
    
    Degree of Obligation: Immediately
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    Excerpt from standard:
    
    3.6 Product Documents The product documents included with the computer shall include both the technical specifications and the environment and health-related user information. These documents shall either be installed on the computer, supplied as a CD-ROM or in printed form, preferably on recycled paper, together with the device or made available on the Internet from the time of delivery for a period of at least 5 years after the end of production. The product documents for keyboards need only include the relevant keyboard-related information (Nos. 2., 4., 5. und 6.). The product documents shall at least provide the following user information: a) Energy consumption (ETEC) in kilowatt hours per year (kWh/a) as well the power consumption in different operating modes according to para. 3.1 Energy and Power Consumption of Computers. Also included shall be instructions for setting the devices into energy-saving operating modes as well as information on further energy-saving options (e.g. reduction of screen brightness, complete disconnection from the mains). If a maximum power value is set for computers in accordance with ENERGY STAR - instead of energy consumption (ETEC) - the product documents shall give the measured power values (in watts): PTEC for workstations and PLONG_IDLE as well as POFF for small-scale servers. b) Information on the provision of spare parts according to 3.2.1 (Spare Parts Availability), c) Options for expanding the capacity according to para. 3.2.2 (Capacity Expansion), d) Sound power level in all operating modes (provided that the requirements are applicable) according to para. 3.5 (Noise Emissions), e) Instructions for environmentally sound disposal at the end of the life cycle in accordance with the German Elektrogesetz (Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act), f) Information on manufacturer-operated product take-back programs to allow reuse (if any), g) If the computer is a notebook computer the product documents shall additionally include information according to para. 4 (Special Requirements for Notebook Computers):  Instructions on how to remove and replace the battery/accumulator or battery/accumulator pack according to para. 4.2 (Replaceability),  Indication of nominal capacity, nominal voltage and type designation according to para. 4.4 (Battery/Accumulator Marking) as well as instructions for decoding if the battery/accumulator displays a coded date of manufacture,  Indication of the minimum achievable full charge cycles according to para. 4.5 (Battery/Accumulator Durability),  Information on the software tools for battery/accumulator status reading and for battery/accumulator protection according to para. 4.6 (Battery/Accumulator Status and Battery/Accumulator Protection Software),  A note advising the user that batteries/accumulators must not be disposed of with the normal household waste but instead should be taken to a waste collection facility. Compliance Verification The applicant shall declare compliance with the requirements in Annex 1 to the Contract and present the product documents in Annex 3 to the Contract.
    
    Referenzdokumente:
    
    3.6 Product Documents ........................................................................................... 15
- Quality and Environmental Management Standards
  
  1/1
  - Does the standard include criteria on noise emissions during the use phase?
    Answer: Yes
    
    Degree of Obligation: Immediately
    
    Score: 1/1
    
    Possible answers
    Excerpt from standard:
    
    3.5 Noise Emissions Compliance with the following requirements needs to be verified only if mechanical fans (e.g. CPU/GPU fan, power pack fan, system fan, RAM fan, hard disk fan), mechanical hard disk drives and/or optical drives are integrated into the computer. If none of these components are integrated into the computer the requirements shall be considered met. The requirements for keyboards shall apply independently of a computer. The evaluation of noise emissions is based on the specification of the declared A-weighted sound power levels LWAd in decibel (dB) to the first decimal place. In doing so, it must be made sure that, in the case of configuration variants of structurally identical devices, the measurements are performed on the loudest individual components. Determination of the declared A-weighted sound power levels The A-weighted sound power levels LWA(1..4) shall be determined in accordance with ISO 7779 in the operating modes as described in the Annex to ECMA-74. a) LWA(1) shall be determined in the C.15.3.2 mode - "idle mode". b) LWA(2) shall be determined in the C.15.3.3 g) mode - "active mode". c) LWA(3) shall be determined in the C.19.3.2 mode „optical drive". d) LWA(4) shall be determined in the C.5.3.1 „keyboard“. Declared A-weighted sound power level Tests shall be performed on a minimum of three devices of one model in each operating mode. The declared A-weighted sound power levels LWA(1..4) shall be determined in accordance with ISO 9296:1988 and given in decibel (dB) rounded to the next decimal place. Alternatively, if the noise measurements can only be performed on one device the declared A-weighted sound power level LWAd may, alternatively, be determined using the following formula: LWAd = LWA1 + 3.0 dB. (LWA1 = A-weighted sound power level of a single device in dB to the first decimal place) Test Values The declared A-weighted sound power levels LWAd(1..3) must not exceed the following test values: Operating Mode Test Value for Desktop computers, Workstations small-scale servers, Notebook small-scale servers thin clients computers , with more than 2 mass storage drives (1) „Idle mode“ 35.0 dB 32.0 dB 38.0 dB (2) „Active mode“ 39.0 dB 37.0 dB 42.0 dB (3) „Optical drive“ 50.0 dB 48.0 dB 50.0 dB There is no test value for the "keyboard" operating mode.
    
    Referenzdokumente:
    
    3.5 Noise Emissions ................................................................................................ 13
Lifetime

7/8
- Does the standard include criteria on the quality / durability of specific components?
  Answer: Yes
  
  Degree of Obligation: Immediately
  
  Score: 1/1
  Possible answers
  Excerpt from standard:
  
  4.5 Battery/Accumulator Durability The battery/accumulator must achieve a minimum of 500 full charge cycles: full charge cycles ≥ 500 A full charge cycle is to be understood as the drain of a quantity of electricity (in ampere hours) from the battery/accumulator in the amount of its nominal capacity (N) that has been stored in the battery/accumulator by one or more charging processes. The minimum number of full charge cycles achievable shall be specified in the product documents. After 500 full-charge cycles the battery/accumulator must, in addition, have in a fully charged state, a remaining capacity (QRem) of at least 80% of the nominal capacity (N). QRem ≥ 80% * N Full charge cycles shall be calculated and remaining capacity shall be measured in accordance with the requirements set out in Appendix A: Determination of Battery/Accumulator Durability. Appendix A Determination of Battery/Accumulator Durability 1 Definitions For the determination of the durability of a battery the following definitions are used: Rated capacity (C): Quantity of electricity (in ampere-hours) declared by the manufacturer which a single cell or battery can deliver during a 5-h period, when charged, stored and discharged under the condition specified in the standard EN 61960 Paragraph 7.3.1. Nominal capacity (N): Electric charge (in ampere-hours) specified by the manufacturer of the battery or rechargeable battery pack declared on the battery and in the product documents. The nominal capacity can be drained by a discharge current specified by the manufacturer. The nominal capacity is generally equal to the rated capacity, but can also be specified by the manufacturer with a smaller value than the rated capacity. Remaining capacity (Qrem): Battery capcity (“Full Charge Capacity” according to Smart Battery System Specifications21) that is available after performing the charge cycle test to determine the achievable full charge cycles (see below). The remaining capacity decreases by age and use of the battery. Charge cycle: The term charge cycle referring to EN 61960 is defined as the cycle of charging a battery according to the specification of the manufacturer and the subsequent discharging until the cut-off voltage. Full charge cycle: A full charge cycle is defined as the charging of a battery and the drain of an electric charge from the battery in the amount of its nominal capacity (N). The main difference between the full charge cycle and the charge cycle according to EN 61960 is that a charging cycle is not determined by achieving the cut-off voltage, but by the drained quantity of energy, which is specified by the nominal capacity (N). A full charge cycle can require more (or less) than one charge cycle. 2 Preparation of the tests a) Determination of the rated capacity (C) according to the standard EN 61960 paragraph 7.3.1 “Discharge performance at 20 °C (rated capacity)”, b) Determination or definition of the nominal capacity (N), c) Complete discharge of the battery up to the cut-off voltage. 3 Performance of the tests The tests must be carried out with at least three batteries, according to the sample size determined in the standard EN 61960. All three batteries have to achieve the mentioned requirements. The charge and discharge currents, the ambient temperature as well as the respective test periods have to be chosen according to standard EN 61960, section 7.6.2 "Endurance in cycles at a rate of 0,2 It A". 3.1 Charge cycle test: a) Charging of the battery, b) Rest period in a charged condition, c) Discharging of the battery, d) During the discharge process: measuring the quantity of the drained electricity (Qi). e) Rest period in a discharged condition. The charging and discharging process must be repeated (at step 1.) until the sum of the drained electricity (Qi) achieves at least the 500-fold value of the nominal capacity (N). 3.2 Determination of the remaining capacity After performing the above charge cycle test, the remaining capacity (Qrem) of the battery must be determined: a) Maximum charging of the batteries according to manufacturer's specifications, b) Rest period in a charged condition, c) Discharge of the battery until the cut-off voltage is reached, d) During the discharge process: measuring the quantity of the drained electricity. The recovered charge quantity in step 4 is defined as remaining capacity (Qrem). To meet the requirements of the eco-label, the so-called remaining capacity (Qrem) must be at least 80% of the nominal capacity (N): Qrem ≥ 80% * N Meeting this requirement is furthermore a prerequisite for the determination of the number of full charge cycles set out in the following. 3.3 Determination of the number of full charge cycles In order to be able to calculate the full charge cycles, the remaining capacity (Qrem) must be at least 80% of the nominal capacity (N) in accordance with the above described cycle test (see preceding condition). The number of full charge cycles is calculated as the ratio of the sum of the sum of the drained electricity (Qi) delivered during the cycle test and the nominal capacity: 3.4 Simplified calculation rule If the accessible charge cycles of the battery have been carried out through a cycle test in accordance with standard EN 61960 (section 7.6 Endurance in cycles) or a comparable method providing for a cyclic maximum loading of the battery and a discharge of the battery down to the cut-off voltage, a simplified calculation of the number of full charge cycles can be carried out. Here as well, the prerequisite for applicability is that, after having performed the cycle test, the remaining capacity (Qrem) has to be at least 80% of the nominal capacity (N). The number of full charge cycles can be determined by a simplified method of calculation by multiplying it by the ratio of the average amount of drained electricity (Qi_average) and the nominal capacity (N): 3.5 Documentation of the tests The test protocol must contain at least the following details: • Nomination of the testing laboratory • Attestation of the testing laboratories’ competence • Nomination of the test procedure (e.g. EN 61960) • For all three batteries that have been tested:  Nominal capacity (N),  Remaining capacity (Qrem) after completion of the test,  Number of full charge cycles achieved,  In the case of simplified calculation: average amount of drained electricity (Qi_average).
  
  Referenzdokumente:
  
  4.5 Battery/Accumulator Durability ........................................................................... 17 Appendix A Determination of Battery/Accumulator Durability .......................................... 21
- Does the standard include criteria on a modular design of the product?
  Answer: Yes
  
  Degree of Obligation: Immediately
  
  Score: 1/1
  Possible answers
  Excerpt from standard:
  
  3.2.2 Capacity Expansion Computers to be Blue Angel eco-labelled must be so designed as to ensure easy accessibility to the replaceable components and expansion interfaces (e.g. IC sockets plug-in connectors). For this purpose, it must be possible to open housing parts, chassis and battery covers easily and without expert knowledge. The computers must provide the following expansion options: • Replacement or expansion of Random Access Memory (RAM) (if any), • Replacement or expansion of the mass storage (if any). In addition, the computers must provide the following interfaces: • Existence of two or more USB 3.0 or later ports (small-scale servers may have a different type of serial port), • Connectivity to external monitors (does not apply to integrated desktop computers and small-scale servers)
  
  Referenzdokumente:
  
  3.2.2 Capacity Expansion ........................................................................................ 10
- Does the standard include criteria on the availability of spare parts for the product?
  Answer: Advanced: Availability for 5 years after end of production OR explicit availability of spare parts for public / independent repairers
  
  Degree of Obligation: Immediately
  
  Score: 2/2
  Possible answers
  
  Basic: Availability for 3 years after end of production (1 point)
  
  Advanced: Availability for 5 years after end of production OR explicit availability of spare parts for public / independent repairers (2 points)
  Excerpt from standard:
  
  3.2 Durability 3.2.1 Spare Parts Availability The applicant undertakes to make sure that the availability of spare parts for appliance repair is guaranteed for at least 5 years from the time that production ceases. Especially batteries/accumulators, (if any) must be available for at least 5 years following the end of production. The spare parts must be offered at reasonable cost by the manufacturer itself or a by third party. Spare parts are functionally identical or compatible and functionally improved components or modules that may be exchanged during repair in the course of the life-cycle of a computer or keyboard to replace defect parts. Other parts which normally exceed the life of the product are not to be considered as spare parts. The product documents shall include detailed information on the provision of spare parts.
  
  Referenzdokumente:
  
  3.2 Durability ......................................................................................................... 10 3.2.1 Spare Parts Availability ................................................................................... 10
- Does the standard include criteria on properties / quality of the battery?
  Answer: Yes
  
  Degree of Obligation: Immediately
  
  Score: 1/1
  Possible answers
  Excerpt from standard:
  
  4 Special Requirements for Notebook Computers The requirements set out in para. 4 shall apply in addition to the general requirements in para. 3 to notebook computers (including mobile workstations), as defined in para. 1.5.1. 4.1 Rechargeability Notebook computers must be equipped with batteries/accumulators meeting the definition in para. 1.5.2. The requirements shall not apply to battery cells which are only used, for example, to buffer CMOS memories or to run timers. 4.2 Replaceability The computers shall be designed to allow the easy replacement of the batteries/accumulators without the need for expert knowledge. 4.3 Battery/Accumulator Capacity The battery/accumulator capacity shall be measured in accordance with standard EN 61960, as amended (current version: DIN EN 61960:2012-04), in accordance with standard paragraph 7.3.1 „Discharge performance at 20 °C (rated capacity)“. The rated capacity (C), thus determined, must at least be equal to the nominal capacity (N) indicated on the battery/accumulator and in the product documents. 4.4 Battery/Accumulator Marking The battery/accumulator (or battery/accumulator pack) must be marked in accordance with standard EN 61960 providing at least the following information: • nominal capacity (N), • nominal voltage, • type designation, • date of manufacture (may be coded). These specifications (except for the date of manufacture) shall also be given in the product documents. In case the date of manufacture has been given in coded form the product documents shall include instructions for decoding. In addition, the battery/accumulator (or battery/accumulator pack) shall provide the following information to help improve the recycling process: • indication of the metal with the greatest mass percentage (e.g. cobalt, manganese, nickel, iron), • indication of substances contained in the battery/accumulator that hinder the recycling process (e.g. tin, phosphorous). • This information may also be provided in coded form, for example, in accordance with the marking system proposed by the Battery Association of Japan (BAJ)19. 4.5 Battery/Accumulator Durability The battery/accumulator must achieve a minimum of 500 full charge cycles: full charge cycles ≥ 500 A full charge cycle is to be understood as the drain of a quantity of electricity (in ampere hours) from the battery/accumulator in the amount of its nominal capacity (N) that has been stored in the battery/accumulator by one or more charging processes. The minimum number of full charge cycles achievable shall be specified in the product documents. After 500 full-charge cycles the battery/accumulator must, in addition, have in a fully charged state, a remaining capacity (QRem) of at least 80% of the nominal capacity (N). QRem ≥ 80% * N Full charge cycles shall be calculated and remaining capacity shall be measured in accordance with the requirements set out in Appendix A: Determination of Battery/Accumulator Durability. 4.6 Battery/Accumulator Status and Protection Software The applicant shall make the following software tools available for the computer: • Software for Determining the Battery/Accumulator Status: The software must allow the reading of the battery's/accumulator's "state of health" (defined as the ratio of „full charge capacity“ to „design capacity“ according to Smart Battery System Specifications20), „state of charge“ (according to Smart Battery System Specifications) as well as the number of full charge cycles already performed from the battery/accumulator and to display these data for the user. Provided that the battery/accumulator (or battery/accumulator pack) does not have integrated electronics to record these data the computer itself must be equipped with corresponding electronics. The software must access the corresponding electronics and be capable of reading the battery/accumulator status data. The electronics must, if applicable, detect a battery/accumulator replacement and take it into account when giving the number of full charge cycles. • Battery/Accumulator Protection Software: The software shall be able to limit the battery's/accumulator's charge to a value smaller than the maximum amount of usable electricity (e.g. 80% of the full charge capacity). Doing so will extend the battery's/accumulator's life. The applicant shall - from the date of placing the computer on the market or, at least, from the date of filing the application until, at least, 6 years after production ceases - make these software tools available for free-of-charge download on its website as well as inform about these tools in the computer product documents. Provided that the computer is placed on the market with a pre-installed operating system the software tools described above-described must also be pre-installed on the computer.
  
  Referenzdokumente:
  
  4 Special Requirements for Notebook Computers ......................................................... 16 4.1 Rechargeability ................................................................................................. 16 4.2 Replaceability ................................................................................................... 16 4.3 Battery/Accumulator Capacity ............................................................................. 16 4.4 Battery/Accumulator Marking .............................................................................. 17 4.5 Battery/Accumulator Durability ........................................................................... 17 4.6 Battery/Accumulator Status and Protection Software .............................................. 18
- Does the standard include criteria on expansion facilities of the product?
  Answer: Yes
  
  Degree of Obligation: Immediately
  
  Score: 1/1
  Possible answers
  Excerpt from standard:
  
  3.2.2 Capacity Expansion Computers to be Blue Angel eco-labelled must be so designed as to ensure easy accessibility to the replaceable components and expansion interfaces (e.g. IC sockets plug-in connectors). For this purpose, it must be possible to open housing parts, chassis and battery covers easily and without expert knowledge. The computers must provide the following expansion options: • Replacement or expansion of Random Access Memory (RAM) (if any), • Replacement or expansion of the mass storage (if any). In addition, the computers must provide the following interfaces: • Existence of two or more USB 3.0 or later ports (small-scale servers may have a different type of serial port), • Connectivity to external monitors (does not apply to integrated desktop computers and small-scale servers).
  
  Referenzdokumente:
  
  3.2.2 Capacity Expansion ........................................................................................ 10
- Does the standard include criteria on providing information concerning reparability, upgradeability and usage of the battery to the user?
  Answer: Advanced: Two out of three aspects are covered (reparability, expansion options, proper usage of batteries)
  
  Degree of Obligation: Immediately
  
  Score: 1/1
  Possible answers
  
  Basic (1 point)
  
  Advanced: Two out of three aspects are covered (reparability, expansion options, proper usage of batteries) (1 point)
  Excerpt from standard:
  
  3.6 Product Documents The product documents included with the computer shall include both the technical specifications and the environment and health-related user information. (...). The product documents shall at least provide the following user information: (...) b) Information on the provision of spare parts according to 3.2.1 (Spare Parts Availability), c) Options for expanding the capacity according to para. 3.2.2 (Capacity Expansion), (...) g) If the computer is a notebook computer the product documents shall additionally include information according to para. 4 (Special Requirements for Notebook Computers):  Instructions on how to remove and replace the battery/accumulator or battery/accumulator pack according to para. 4.2 (Replaceability),  Indication of nominal capacity, nominal voltage and type designation according to para. 4.4 (Battery/Accumulator Marking) as well as instructions for decoding if the battery/accumulator displays a coded date of manufacture,  Indication of the minimum achievable full charge cycles according to para. 4.5 (Battery/Accumulator Durability),  Information on the software tools for battery/accumulator status reading and for battery/accumulator protection according to para. 4.6 (Battery/Accumulator Status and Battery/Accumulator Protection Software),
  
  Referenzdokumente:
  
  3.6 Product Documents ........................................................................................... 15
- Does the standard include criteria on an additional lifetime guarantee for the product beyond the legal obligations?
  Answer: No Information available
  
  Degree of Obligation: Not covered
  
  Score: 0/1
  Possible answers
  
  Basic: Period of guarantee ≥ 1 year and ≤ 2 years (1 point)
  
  Advanced (0 points)

Socio-Economic 0%

Freedom of Association
Collective Bargaining
Non-Discrimination
Legal Minimum Wage
Prohibition of Forced Labour
Minimum Age / ILO 138
Prohibition of the Worst Forms of Child Labour / ILO 182
Equal Remuneration / ILO 100
Provision of Social Benefits
Criteria on Working Hours
Rights Apply to Sub-Contractors
Criteria on Occupational Health and Safety / ILO 155

Social & Cultural Rights and Community Engagement

0/5
- Local Economic Development
  
  0/2
  - Does the standard include criteria on investment in community development beyond the business' operations?
    Answer: No
    
    Degree of Obligation: Not covered
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
  - Does the standard include criteria on not adversely affecting local communities and neigboring small producers access to livelihoods (especially land and water)?
    Answer: No
    
    Degree of Obligation: Not covered
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
- Community Rights
  
  0/3
  - Does the standard include criteria on dispute resolution mechanisms for affected communities?
    Answer: No Information available
    
    Degree of Obligation: Not covered
    
    Score: 0/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    Basic: The standard has to require a grievance mechanism for affected communities. (1 point)
    
    Advanced: The standard provides fair compensation for negative impacts of operations on local communities and individuals. (2 points)
  - Does the standard include criteria to seek Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of local communities?
    Answer: No
    
    Degree of Obligation: Not covered
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
Conflict Minerals

0/1
- Does the standard include criteria on conflict minerals (based on the OECD Due Diligence Guidance)?
  Answer: No
  
  Degree of Obligation: Not covered
  
  Score: 0/1
  Possible answers
Labour Rights and Working Conditions

0/25
- ILO Core Conventions
  
  0/11
  - Does the standard require compliance with (at least) all ILO core labour standards for different suppliers along the supply chain?
    Answer: No Information available
    
    Degree of Obligation: Not covered
    
    Score: 0/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    Basic: Main tier 1 suppliers (1 point)
    
    Advanced: All tier 1 suppliers (2 points)
  - Does the standard include criteria on freedom of association and the right to organize as described in ILO 87?
    Answer: No
    
    Degree of Obligation: Not covered
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
  - Does the standard include criteria on the right to collective bargaining, as laid down by ILO 98?
    Answer: No
    
    Degree of Obligation: Not covered
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
  - Does the standard prohibit forced and compulsory labour as defined in ILO 29 and ILO 105?
    Answer: No
    
    Degree of Obligation: Not covered
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
  - Does the standard include criteria on the prohibition of child labour as defined under ILO 138?
    Answer: No
    
    Degree of Obligation: Not covered
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
  - Does the standard cover requirements on the prohibition of the worst forms of child labour as defined under ILO 182?
    Answer: No
    
    Degree of Obligation: Not covered
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
  - Does the standard address the payment of equal wages as defined in ILO 100?
    Answer: No
    
    Degree of Obligation: Not covered
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
  - Does the standard include criteria on the non-discrimination in the workplace, as defined in ILO 111?
    Answer: No
    
    Degree of Obligation: Not covered
    
    Score: 0/1
    
    Possible answers
  - Does the standard include criteria on occupational health and safety, as defined in ILO 155?
    Answer: No Information available
    
    Degree of Obligation: Not covered
    
    Score: 0/2
    
    Possible answers
    
    Basic: Partial compliance with ILO 155 (1 point)
    
    Advanced: Compliance with ILO 155 (2 points)
- Labour Rights
  
  0/10
  - Gender
    
    0/1
    - Does the standard include any requirements to promote women's (economic) rights?
      Answer: No
      
      Degree of Obligation: Not covered
      
      Score: 0/1
      
      Possible answers
  - Wages and Benefits
    
    0/3
    - Does the standard require paying wages sufficient to meet basic needs of the worker and his or her family (living wage)?
      Answer: No
      
      Degree of Obligation: Not covered
      
      Score: 0/1
      
      Possible answers
    - Does the standard require paying legal minimum wages?
      Answer: No
      
      Degree of Obligation: Not covered
      
      Score: 0/1
      
      Possible answers
    - Does the standard require the provision of social benefits?
      Answer: No
      
      Degree of Obligation: Not covered
      
      Score: 0/1
      
      Possible answers
  - Working Hours
    
    0/1
    - Does the standard include criteria on working hours, rest days or overtime?
      Answer: No Information available
      
      Degree of Obligation: Not covered
      
      Score: 0/1
      
      Possible answers
      
      Basic (0 points)
      
      Advanced: Standard requirements comply with ILO 1 requirements (1 point)
  - Scope of Labour Rights
    
    0/2
    - Do the standard's rights and benefits for workers also apply to sub-contracted labour?
      Answer: No
      
      Degree of Obligation: Not covered
      
      Score: 0/1
      
      Possible answers
    - Does the standard include criteria on the establishment of labour contracts compliant with national legal requirements?
      Answer: No
      
      Degree of Obligation: Not covered
      
      Score: 0/1
      
      Possible answers
      
      No (0 points)
      
      Yes (1 point)
      
      Not Applicable (0 points)
  - Other Labour Rights
    
    0/3
    - Does the standard include criteria on the formation of workers representations where freedom of association is restricted by law?
      Answer: No
      
      Degree of Obligation: Not covered
      
      Score: 0/1
      
      Possible answers
    - Does the standard include criteria on worker grievance mechanisms?
      Answer: No
      
      Degree of Obligation: Not covered
      
      Score: 0/1
      
      Possible answers
    - Does the standard include requirements to inform workers about their labour rights?
      Answer: No
      
      Degree of Obligation: Not covered
      
      Score: 0/1
      
      Possible answers
- Health and Safety
  
  0/4
  - Occupational Health and Safety
    
    0/4
    - Does the standard prohibit harassment or abuse of workers?
      Answer: No
      
      Degree of Obligation: Not covered
      
      Score: 0/1
      
      Possible answers
    - Does the standard require compensation payments/ covering of costs in case of work related accidents and injuries?
      Answer: No Information available
      
      Degree of Obligation: Not covered
      
      Score: 0/2
      
      Possible answers
      
      Basic: Partial coverage of costs (1 point)
      
      Advanced: Full coverage of costs (2 points)
    - Does the standard require safe and appropriate housing for workers?
      Answer: No
      
      Degree of Obligation: Not covered
      
      Score: 0/1
      
      Possible answers

Which lifecycle phases are covered by the standard?

Raw materials extraction and production

Extraction of various raw materials such as noble metals (e.g. gold, silver)

Manufacturing

Production of many individual components as well as final assembly of the device

Transportation / distribution

The transport route from one production stage to the next as well as to the end consumer

Products use and consumption

Usage by the owner

End-of-life

Proper disposal of equipment and recycling of individual components

Cred­i­bil­i­ty

En­vi­ron­ment

So­cio-E­co­nom­ic

Cred­i­bil­i­ty 62%

En­vi­ron­ment 63%

So­cio-E­co­nom­ic 0%

Which lifecycle phases are covered by the standard?

Raw materials extraction and production

Manufacturing

Transportation / distribution

Products use and consumption

End-of-life

Credibility

Environment

Socio-Economic

Credibility 62%

Environment 63%

Socio-Economic 0%