Previewed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona earlier this year, AT&T (News - Alert) eco-ratings are now in-store—giving customers a simple, easy-to-understand label to consult on all new AT&T-branded postpaid mobile devices. In addition, AT&T will offer eco-ratings on 13 more devices from its existing portfolio.
This announcement comes on the heels of a survey conducted by AT&T in June, which notes that, all things being equal, 60 percent of those surveyed would consider the environmental impact of a device before making a purchase.
The eco-rating system assesses 15 criteria drawn from five general categories of sustainability attributes:
- Usage of environmentally preferable materials
- Minimization of hazardous substances
- Energy efficiency
- Responsible end-of-life treatment
- Environmentally-responsible manufacturing.
Device manufacturers submit an assessment to AT&T, showing how many of the criteria their device meets. AT&T reviews this report and confirms the data reported. These criteria are then calculated into AT&T’s five-star system, with five stars being the highest level of environmental concern.
“AT&T’s eco-ratings give consumers product information they want,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility, in Atlanta. “Consumers want the best and fastest devices while being able to make an empowered choice about [the] environmental impact of the device. Our eco-ratings accomplish just that.”
Further explanation of the eco-rating system and information about the application of ratings to individual devices can be found by scanning an on-label QR code, by visiting any AT&T store or at AT&T’s consumer-focused sustainability site, EcoSpace.
The eco-rating system and the EcoSpace site are just two examples of AT&T’s commitment to engaging customers around sustainability. In the past year the company:
- Promoted free, secure and convenient paperless billing options
- Transitioned AT&T-branded accessory packaging to a new plastic comprising up to 30 percent plant-based materials
- Unveiled a new device trade-in recycling program, helping consumers save their old phones from landfills while also having the choice to make a donation to charity or earn AT&T credit for future purchases at an AT&T store.
To see a video on the Eco-Rating System, click here.
Dallas-based AT&T was recently added to Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s 12th Annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens List. AT&T was also included in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (DJSI).
AT&T is a sponsor of ITEXPO West 2012. To be held Oct. 2-5 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX, ITEXPO (News - Alert) is the world’s premier IP communications event. For more information on ITEXPO West 2012 click here.
Edited by Brooke Neuman