GREENGUARD Expands into Certifying Computers & Electronics

GREENGUARD Expands into Certifying Computers & Electronics
Lenovo's "Eco" is First Desktop to Earn GREENGUARD Certification

GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI), the nation's largest certifier of chemical emissions from building products and furnishings, announces the expansion of its certification efforts to include computers and other electronic devices. As part of its expansion, GEI is also pleased to announce GREENGUARD Certification of Lenovo's M57/M57P "Eco", the first computing device to attain this certification.

"Electronics, including monitors, computers and printers, can emit chemicals and particles into the air, particularly when in use," says Carl E. Smith, CEO of GEI. "These chemicals may trigger a range of health issues, including asthma, allergies and other irritating reactions." With this new certification, consumers now have a way to identify computers and other electronic products that have been subjected to rigorous testing, and found to be free of toxic emissions.

GEI runs the only program in the US that certifies computers, printers and other electronic devices for chemical emissions. The GREENGUARD program measures chemical "outgassing" of the product during normal use and operation. Measured emissions are then compared to an extensive list of publicly available short term and long term health risk exposure levels available from the US Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety Health Administration, the state of California, and CDC's Registry of Toxic Substances.

For almost twenty years, researchers have reported on emissions of potentially harmful chemicals from electronic devices. In Europe, the chemical content of computing and electronic devices are controlled through recently enacted European Union regulation, known as the RoHS Directive, and through certification of chemical emissions, under programs like Germany's Blue Angel. The US has yet to adopt similar requirements, although some jurisdictions and other organizations are exploring the issue.

Not only is the Eco the first GREENGUARD Certified computer, it also is the First ThinkCentre product with recycled, post-consumer plastics, EPEAT Gold rated, and Energy StarŽ 4.0 rated. "We applaud Lenovo for taking such a leadership position in sustainable design," says Smith. "Being the 'first' can be difficult yet Lenovo has shown its unwavering commitment to developing 'green' computing products."

"The M57/M57P raised the bar by developing a small, compact offering that provides the highest levels of manageability and security while operating with less power consumption and noise," said Fran O'Sullivan, senior vice president of products, Lenovo. "With GREENGUARD Certification, this is Lenovo's most environmentally sensitive ThinkCentre ever!"

GEI, founded in 2001, currently certifies over 150,000 products and materials for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals. GREENGUARD Certification of is broadly recognized and accepted by a number of "green" building programs, including the United States Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEEDŽ program.

An online guide of GREENGUARD Certified products is available at www.greenguard.org at no cost to the user.

About GREENGUARD Environmental Institute
GEI is an industry independent, non-profit organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification Program. GEI's mission is to protect human health and quality of life through programs that improve indoor air that people breathe. As an ANSI Accredited Standards Developer, GEI establishes acceptable standards for building materials, interior products, electronic equipment, indoor environments and buildings. Products that are GREENGUARD Certified must meet stringent, third party standards for low chemical emissions based on established health standards and undergo rigorous testing and verification processes on a regular basis.

About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is dedicated to building the world's best-engineered personal computers. Lenovo's business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group's acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufacturers and markets reliable, high quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.