How we develop the criteria

Stakeholder dialog and technology development

Every three years we open the TCO Certified criteria for review. The process leading to a new generation of requirements is based on an ongoing dialog between TCO Development and a broad international group of stakeholders as well as analysis of the current state of technology, legislation and other factors in the sustainable IT landscape. The stakeholder group is made up of representatives from several segments: professional purchasers, the IT industry, independent subject matter experts and computer users. Our dialog with stakeholders is a critical element in ensuring that the criteria in TCO Certified reflect current needs, are in line with technological development and contribute to sustainable development in IT. The dialog contributes directly to the final published criteria, which are determined by TCO Development.

Global Ecolabelling Network

TCO Development is a member of the Global Ecolabeling Network, GEN, a voluntary association of third party certification programs. Founded in 1994, GEN’s mission is to the promote and further develop environmental certification of products and services around the world.

Regularly updated criteria

Our collaboration with stakeholders ensures that TCO Certified covers in-demand product categories and that the criteria reflect the demands and aspirations of buyers, while keeping in line with developments in technology, research and market conditions. Sustaianble development – the social , environmental and economic aspects of IT – are at the core of this process. Current criteria in TCO Certified meet or exceed international legislation or directives such as RoHS, WEEE and Energy Star. All criteria are based on current research findings with the goal of advancing sustainable IT.