Chapter 7 - Promoting the Commonwealth's Socio-Economic Initiatives

Attribute 

Guideline 

Manufacturer “take back” of equipment 

This can be accomplished through a lease or a contractual provision whereby the seller agrees to be responsible for taking back the products and providing for appropriate re-use or recycling when the buyer no longer needs the product. 

However, it is mandatory that any such returned equipment have all Commonwealth data removed in compliance with VITA’s data removal standards at this location: 

https://www.vita.virginia.gov/it-governance/itrm-policies- standards/. 

Reduction of toxic components 

IT good manufacturers must demonstrate they are complying with the European Union’s Directive – Restriction of Hazardous Substances – which requires the phase out of lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, cadmium and certain brominated flame retardants (PBBs and PBDEs). 

Increased recycled content 

Purchasing consideration should be given to IT products that use recycled content and products that can easily be recycled. 

Reduced packaging 

IT suppliers should be encouraged to use reduced and/or recycled packaging for shipping, to minimize quantity and weight of non-recyclable packaging and to produce user manuals that are easily recyclable. 

Shelf life and supportability 

IT goods should be evaluated on upgradeability and longevity to avoid short replacement cycles and reduce waste. 

Energy efficiency 

IT suppliers should be encouraged to produce equipment that meets Energy Star specifications including: 

• Offer equipment which meets the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s and Department of Energy’s Energy Star guidelines. 
• Equipment shall be configured so it automatically enters a low- power mode after a period of inactivity. When equipment in a low- power mode is used again, it automatically returns to active mode. 
• Computers shall be shipped with power management feature enabled. 
• Provide integrated computer systems, where the CPU and monitor will together enter a low-power mode of no more than 45 watts after a specified period of inactivity. 
• Deliver all products configured for automatic energy-saving features per current Energy Star specifications 
• (Required only for IFB and competitive sealed bidding procurement methods): Meet energy- and water-efficiency criteria established in § 2.2-4328.1) 

Clean manufacturing practices 

Identify and encourage IT suppliers who minimize the use of toxic and hazardous components in their manufacturing and production processes. 

Design for reuse and recycling 

Identify and reward suppliers of IT products that use recycled content and produce goods that can easily be recycled.