Tablet sustainability certification introduced

Stressing the importance of eco-friendly design even for the newest of technologies, TCO Development has announced the launch of the first sustainability certification for tablet computers.

TCO Certified is an internationally recognized third-party sustainability label for IT products. The certification's criteria covers the usability and environmental design of everything from laptop and desktop computers to video projectors, hands-free headsets and, now, tablets.

"The tablet is rapidly becoming part of our personal and business PC environment. Expanding TCO Certified to include tablets is a natural step," says TCO Development CEO Soren Enholm.

According to a statement from the company, TCO Certified Tablets 1 reviews the performance, ergonomics and corporate social responsibility that goes into a tablet's design. To qualify for TCO certification, a tablet must meet specified levels of performance, efficiency and environmental design.

According to a 2011 study from professional services firm Deloitte, more than half of surveyed companies are trying to reduce energy costs and consumption within the next two or three years. The media buzz surrounding environment sustainability has died down in recent years, but it is evident that many companies are still looking to improve the energy efficiency of their IT resources.