Choose Energy-Efficient Tech, Reduce Waste

December 18, 2025

Shop energy-efficient electronics

Every purchase your department makes is an opportunity to reduce ASU’s environmental footprint. Laptops, audiovisual equipment and other electronic devices consume considerable energy and generate significant carbon emissions and e-waste. 

By choosing sustainable, eco-certified products, ASU departments can support the university’s sustainability goals and make a positive difference.

ASU tracks its purchasing performance through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System. Achievement of Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool Gold certification by ASU fulfills an AASHE STARS measure that evaluates the share of purchased electronics that meet EPEAT Gold or equivalent standards.

ASU achieved a 0.76/1.00 ratio of sustainable to unsustainable electronic purchases — this strong performance reflects our shared commitment to responsible procurement. We can increase that score with mindful everyday purchasing.

In addition to environmental benefits, products that meet EPEAT® and ENERGY STAR® standards are typically more durable, efficient and cost-effective.

EPEAT-certified products are designed to reduce the need for replacement and lifecycle costs, such as:

• Availability of replacement parts for at least five years
• Minimum three-year warranties
• Compatibility with future upgrades and repairs

Refer to the ASU Sustainable Purchasing Guidelines for a list of recognized eco-certifications and purchasing guidelines for IT hardware and appliances. 

Departments can apply for a Sustainability Initiatives Revolving Fund grant to support sustainable electronics purchases. Contact ASU University Sustainability Practices for more information. 

Filter for eco-certified or environmentally friendly options in the ASU supplier catalog, SunRISE, including: 

• Amazon: Filter for climate-friendly items or view IT Peripherals — Sustainable Options for commonly purchased products, including headphones, keyboards and other accessories. 
• Apple: Most current MacBook, iMac and iPad models are EPEAT®-Gold certified. 
• B&H: Select the Go Green banner for environmentally friendly IT peripherals and AV equipment.
• CDW-G: Filter for ENERGY STAR® or EPEAT® within product categories.
• DellEMC: All products in the SunRISE standard configurations catalog are ASU-approved and have ENERGY STAR or EPEAT certifications.
• Staples: Look for products with the Eco-ID™ checkmark or search the Eco-ID program.

Refer to the Business and Finance Information Technology webpage for a list of contracted and preferred suppliers for computer products.

If eco-certified products are unavailable, consider the following when purchasing:

• Items made with recycled content
• Refurbished electronics that meet quality standards
• Requesting reduced or recyclable product packaging

Departments considering bulk purchases of computers or other electronics should work with ASU Procurement to identify sustainable options. 

Choosing energy-efficient, certified electronics helps ASU lead by example in sustainability. Each purchase helps save energy, reduce waste and strengthen ASU’s commitment to a cleaner, healthier future.

Editor’s note: This article is part of a series about sustainable purchasing at ASU. Topics include sustainable purchasing best practices, notable suppliers and resources.