AT&T Unveils Eco-Rating 2.0 — Includes Social Factors In Criteria, Now Applies To Tablets

AT&T recently unveiled its next-generation version of its environmental rating system — Eco-Rating 2.0 — at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. As part of the reveal, we now know that the new rating system incorporates social factors into the rating criteria — ideally, giving consumers some insight into the working conditions of those involved in the manufacturing process, the use of “conflict” minerals, and the implementation of “human rights policy.”

Also worth noting, the ratings system has now been expanded to include tablets.

“Our new eco-rating system empowers consumers to make better informed purchasing decisions in consideration of sustainability factors with ease,” stated Jeff Bradley, the senior vice president of Device Marketing and Developer Services, AT&T Mobility. “AT&T’s revamped criteria, including social factors associated with device manufacturing, is designed to encourage device manufacturers to take their sustainability commitments to the next level.”

The new rating system was developed in collaboration with Business for Social Responsibility — a nonprofit “dedicated to sustainability” — as well as with consultation with various industry figures and stakeholders.

Here’s an overview via a recent press release from the company:

Eco-Rating 2.0 is a simple way to help consumers evaluate the environmental and social profile of the devices they choose to purchase. The refreshed 2.0 rating system includes social and environmental factors related to device manufacturing, including manufacturer usage of environmentally preferred materials, minimization of substances of concern, energy efficiency and responsible end-of-life treatment. As with AT&T’s current eco-rating system, consumers will be able to find AT&T’s Eco-Rating 2.0 scores on the web, and on packaging for devices.

AT&T-branded handsets such as feature phones, smartphones and tablets that enter its pipeline in 2015 will receive a one to five star eco-rating based on Eco-Rating 2.0 criteria. Devices rated under these new criteria are expected to enter the marketplace in the first half of 2015.

I admit to experiencing a bit of nauseam when I hear corporations with environmental footprints as large as AT&T’s talk about “sustainability,” so I do understand those that can’t take initiatives such as this seriously at all. But, still, this is better than nothing. And it’s unlikely that many people in the world currently would be willing to go without buying whatever the newest, flashiest phone of the year is… so here we are.

Those interested in finding out more about the rating system can find it here, on AT&T’s site.

Image Credit: AT&T