The presentation is about the adances in electronics keeping in mind that it affects the environment minimally.
First we look at how electronic devices have caused a problem to the environment.
Then we look at the technological advances and researches that can help in making environment friendly devices.
3. 1. LEAD
2. CADMIUM
3. MERCURY
4. BROMINATED FLAME RETARDANTS
5. POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
HARMFUL MATERIALS USED IN
ELECTRONICS
4. LEAD
•The cathode ray tubes (CRT) in
monitors that were sold worldwide
contained 4-8 pounds of lead in the
glass tube.
•The solder used in most electrical
devices is composed of both tin and
lead in a 63/37 ratio, respectively.
•Lead-acid batteries are widely used on
mass-scale in all parts of the world.
5. Harmful Effects Of Lead
• Lead exposure, even at low levels, is well known for
its harmful effects on children, resulting in lowered
IQ. Lead also affects the ability to pay attention.
Children exposed to low levels may appear
hyperactive and irritable, according to the American
Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• The fumes generated from melting solder especially
solder containing Lead or Tin present are dangerous
and require local ventilation to remove harmful
smoke from the work area.
6. CADMIUM
Cadmium is an important metal for a range of electronics industries and is used
widely in nickel-cadmium batteries.
• .
•
7. Harmful effects of Cadmium
Exposure to cadmium can occur due to poor
disposal of industrial or electronics waste.
While the toxicity of cadmium has been known
for a long time, how it causes toxicity and
damages cells hasn’t been understood.
Acute inhalation exposure to cadmium can
result in flu-like symptoms and can damage the
lungs. Chronic exposure can result in kidney,
bone and lung disease.
8. MERCURY
• A mercury switch is an electrical switch
that opens and closes a circuit when a
small amount of the liquid metal mercury
connects metal electrodes to close the
circuit.
• Mercury-vapor rectifier is a type of
electrical rectifier used for converting high-
voltage or high-current alternating current
(AC) into direct current (DC).
• A mercury battery (also called mercuric
oxide battery, or mercury cell) is a non-
rechargeable electrochemical battery, a
primary cell.
9. Harmful effects of Mercury
Mercury, which can adversely alter the
neurological and reproductive systems of
humans and wildlife, has long been
known to contaminate fresh-water lakes,
fish and fish-eating birds, including loons
and eagles. A recent study by New York
State scientists and other researchers in
the Adirondack region reiterated this
problem by showing that common loons
(below) with elevated mercury levels
produced significantly fewer chicks.
10. BROMINATED FLAME
RETARDANTS
Some brominated flame retardants, used in
circuit boards and plastic casings, do not break
down easily and build up in the
environment. Long-term exposure can lead to
impaired learning and memory functions. They
can also interfere with thyroid and estrogen
hormone systems. Exposure in the womb has been
linked to behavioral problems
11. POLYVINYL
CHLORIDE
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a
chlorinated plastic used in some
electronics products and for insulation
on wires and cables. Chlorinated
dioxins and furans are released when
PVC is produced or disposed of by
incineration (or simply burning). These
chemicals are highly persistent in the
environment and many are toxic even in
very low concentrations.
12. Green Electronics emphasizes
on elimination of harmful
substances & the disposal of
electronic wastes by applying
eco-friendly techniques.
Green Electronics: A Way Out
13. Green Electronics: A Way Out
The idea of green electronics
in part refers to the use of
material in the production of
computers, cell phones,
televisions and dozens of
other electric devices that are
environment friendly.
14. Advantages
Companies can decrease the energy bill by choosing energy-efficient
equipment.
As companies mature in their sustainability adoption, they seek to
promote sustainable practices by implementing “green procurement.”
15. Advantages
In near future people would prefer moving towards “modular phone”, which
are built with the intention that the user can easily upgrade and enhance the
phone without needing to buy new device.
16. Other reasons to dispose e-waste
Data Security
Improper e-waste disposal opens huge areas of vulnerability and puts the entire
organization at risk.
Brand Value
If the e-waste is not properly handled, the company’s brand is at risk, whether
the headlines cite “data retrieval from improperly erased hardware” or
“contamination from improper disposal”
17. Electronic Product Environmental
Assessment Tool (EPEAT)
A method for purchasers to evaluate the effect of a product on the environment.
The system was launched in 2006, under Green Electronics Council, with
products from three different PC and Display manufacturers.
18. It assesses various lifecycle
environmental aspects of a device
and ranks products as Gold, Silver
or Bronze based on a set of
environmental performance criteria
Many international organizations
provide EPEAT-registration services
for manufacturers across the globe.
19. In January 2010, Amazon.com began using EPEAT to identify greener
electronic products on its website.
In July 2014, the EPEAT system expanded to support product registrations in
India.
20. EPEAT in India
Nearly 3 million electronic products were sold in India in just one year after the
collaboration with EPEAT.
Since July 2014, the number of EPEAT-compliant devices has risen to 145% and
display models to 266%.
A 108% increase since the program’s inception.
21. Bureau of Energy Efficiency
BEE has devised an energy labeling system,
where the energy efficiency label has 1 to 5 Star
Rating with an indicator that shows what star
rating a particular product has earned(1 star for
least efficient up to 5 star for most efficient)
Bureau of Energy is an agency of Government
of India under the Ministry of Power created
in March 2002 under the provisions of nation’s
2001 Energy Conservation Act.
23. GEC is a mission-driven non-profit organization that collaborates to achieve a
world in which only sustainable IT products are designed, manufactured, and
purchased.
GEC advocates for sustainable IT by helping both manufacturers and large-scale
purchasers to:
24. It acts as the fulcrum point between those who buy(institutional purchasers)
and those who make(information technology brands).
26. IEEE Identified Focus Areas
• Reduction or Elimination of Environmentally
Sensitive Materials
• e.g. lead, mercury, etc
• Materials Selection
• Type of materials usage for product manufacturing e.g.
Organic polymer, Nano-material, bio materials(Amino
acids)
• Design for End of Life
• Designed, taking into account the easy disposal at the end
of the product life cycle with no harsh chemical
processes
27. IEEE Identified Focus Areas
• Life Cycle Extension
• Extend the life of the product through design
• Use of exchangeable parts and consumables
• Energy Conservation
• Energy efficient devices
• Use of renewable sources of energy
• Packaging
• Reusable
• Easily biodegradable
28. Bio Wires
• Scientists at University of Massachusetts
genetically designed a strain of bacteria that
spins out extremely thin and highly conductive
wires
• Wires made up solely of non-toxic natural amino
acids
• Such bio wires, made of proteins, are extremely
durable which can be easily degraded on desire
• Applications include biocompatible sensors,
computing devices, solar panel components
29. Carbon Nanomaterials
Usage
• Carbon nanomaterials are being extensively studied
for green electronics, for example Graphene, Carbon
nanotubes
• Can be used to design power efficient small devices
• These materials have excellent physical and
electrical properties for device manufacturing and
compact integration
• Deployed for solar cell technology and LED
30. Dissolvable
Circuits
• Researchers at Stanford University, CA
have developed organic semiconductor
polymers which can be used to make
transistor and electronic circuits
• Such circuits can disintegrate in mild
acid (pH 4.6) within 30 days with no
environment impact
• Useful for green devices and also for
medical devices to be embedded in
human body
31. Biodegradable Chips Made From Wood
• In 2015, the feasibility of replacing the
substrate of a computer chip with cellulose
Nano fibril(CNF), a flexible biodegradable
material made from wood was
demonstrated by Wisconsin Nano
Engineering Device Lab
• Two key challenges in using wood
• Wood attracts moisture from air and expands
• Lack of surface smoothness
• Both problems solved by making epoxy
coating to prevent moisture from
penetrating
32. Revolutionary way to
Create Watches
• Corn resin used to create fully biodegradable
watch
• Corn resins are 99% bio degradable by
conversion into carbon dioxide and water in 365
days
• Entire design and manufacturing uses degradable
components like bamboo
• Battery used is mercury free
• Corn resins usage being explored beyond
electronics devices
33. Energy-Efficient LED changing the way
we light
• Worldwide lighting consumes up to 60% of energy in
buildings
• High efficiency LED light sources save significant energy
• LEDs are environment friendly during usage and disposal
phase
• No toxic material such as mercury
• Longer lifetime with no high pressure, glass covering or filament
glow
• Enable adaptive lighting with sensors
• Intensity and color modification
• Novel 3D integration with decorative designs
34. Sustainable Packaging Design For Shipment
• Mobile phone companies have started using naturally
degradable material for packaging and recyclable
plastic for chargers
• The soy ink, without petroleum solvents, to prevent
soil and marine environment contamination used to
print product manual and packages. Samsung used
these materials and claims saving of 30 tons of
petroleum solvent per year
• At European Imaging and Sound
Association(EISA)’s ‘2013-2014 EISA Green
Award’, Galaxy S4 was chosen as a ‘Green
Phone’ for using high-efficiency charger and low
power technology, not using harmful substances and
applying eco-friendly packaging technology.
35. Why Companies Invest In Green
Electronics
• Strong trend towards sustainability and eco-
efficiency in all industrial sectors: future
competitiveness calls for "being green”.
• Huge future market potential for green
applications both in industrialized and
developing countries.
• Consumer awareness on environmental issues
is constantly increasing.
• Cost-savings for manufacturers in energy
consumption, materials, packaging, logistics,
waste management etc.
36. • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also
implemented programs and introduced new regulations in
terms of sustainability throughout the technology market.
• The EPA is encouraging e-waste processing companies to
work together in order to create a worldwide green
electronics initiative. By giving manufacturers the
information and incentives to become sustainable, the
initiative has grown.
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA)
37. Potential competitive
advantage
Growth opportunity for company
Corporate social responsibility
Meeting customer expectations /
requirements
New technology opportunities
Ability to enter new markets
Green image
Product development
Potential cost savings
Leverage existing markets
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
69%
67%
62%
61%
59%
54%
50%
46%
38%
33%
Drivers/Motivators Of Going Green
38. Tool What products are
covered
What part of “green” does this tool
cover?
EPEAT
label
TVs, printers, scanners,
copiers, multi-functions
– consumer and
business
Companies grade their
products against a range of
“environmentally preferable”
criteria, grading as bronze,
silver, or gold.
Greenpeace
Guide to
Greener
Electronics
Computer,TV,
mobile phone,
game
manufacturers
Greenpeace publishes
a “Guide to Greener
Electronics” that evaluates
companies on efforts to
remove toxics from their
products, as well as on climate
impacts and recycling.
Various Tools To Check Green Electronics
39. ETBC
Recycling
Report Card
Computers,
TVs, printers,
game consoles
Published a report
card on electronics
companies’ own
TakeBack and
recycling programs
BFR and PVC
Phase-out Report
Report covers a
whole range of
products,
including home
appliances,
computers,TVs,
cell phones
ChemSec (a Swedish
NGO) published a
report lists products
from 28 electronics
companies and
indicates whether
they contain
brominated flame
retardants or PVC.
Tool What products are
covered
What part of “green”
does this tool cover?
40. The Guide to Greener Electronics is an analysis of what 17 of the world’s leading
consumer electronics companies are doing to address their environmental
impacts. Here’s how the companies stack up.
41. The Electronics TakeBack Coalition
promotes green design and responsible
recycling in the electronics industry as
part of the global effort for advancing
sustainable practices. They have a
three-point platform for reform in the
electronics industry:
Take it back, Make it green, Recycle
responsibly.
42. Producer Responsibility:
Manufacturers of electronic equipment
should take financial and/or physical
responsibility for their products and
resulting wastes, throughout the entire
product lifecycle. This concept of
“Individual Producer Responsibility”
supports green design.
Take It Back
43. Fully minimize the potential
environmental, human health and social
impact of the product’s production.
Don’t use customers as the testing ground
for whether materials in the product are
safe or dangerous.
Make It Green
44. Zero Waste. Hazardous discarded
electronic equipment should be banned
from going to solid waste landfills or
incinerators (including waste-to-energy
incinerators).
No Dumping in Developing Countries.
Toxic e-waste should not be exported to
developing countries. Instead, we should
be increasing our capacity to manage our
own e-waste domestically.
Recycle Responsibly
45. • The research project EC-GEPRO was funded by the European Commission and seeks to
improve Europe-China collaboration on Green electronics. The project engages crucial
actors and stimulates high-level debate and cooperation on development of Green
electronics.
• The project was targeted at large industrial actors, politicians, at both regional and national
level; and other key decision makers, who use, develop and promote Green electronics in
their countries. The overall objective was to support the transition towards sustainable
production and consumption in the electronics sector.
The research project EC-GEPRO
46. The team focused on three
aspects of Green electronics:-
1. Green electronics design-The focus was to incorporate
life-cycle environmental aspects into the design of
electronic products and production processes.
2. Green electronics assembly –Focused the processes
connected to assembling electronics components and
also the life-cycle environmental impacts of the materials
being used in the processes.
3. Green electronics materials-The focus WAS on the
specific type of lead (Pb) -free solder pastes, conductive
adhesives, halogen-free substrates and components.
48. Use of biodegradable components is
environment friendly but the use of
recyclable materials may mean that the
device is more prone to breakage or
degradation. A material that is
biodegradable will eventually promote
bio growth and decomposition, and the
device is not long lasting, But since
electronics usually become obsolete
long before they wear out their overall
life span is not an issue.
Degradation of electronic components
49. Various components
like bio wires, bio
compatible sensor,
transistor, electronic
circuits made from
organic polymer, Nano-
material, Bio-materials
are expensive due to
specific components
used in the circuits.
Expensive Products
50. Less Accessible
The idea of green electronics
has not developed much,
there are very few
manufacturers producing
biodegradable electronics,
and also due to high cost the
green electronic devices are
less accessible in the market
51. Researchers are still
working on
environment friendly
devices. The devices
based on this materials
and their Nano-
structuring are starting
to pass from lab
prototypes to real
products for the buyers.
Research and Development
52. Awareness campaign
Contribution of government
Spreading awareness among students and youth
Spreading awareness through social media
campaign
53. Contribution of government
The “GREENE” is an E-waste
awareness initiative supported
by Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology
(MeitY)
Government of India. This is an
E-waste collection centre
located by government at
various locations to reduce E-
waste.
54. Green IT
Another program by Ministry of
Electronics and Information
Technology (MeitY) Green IT or IT
sustainability is the study and practice
of environmentally sustainable IT or
computing.
MeitY has started the Green IT
initiative by awarding a project for
development of ICT Technologies for
smart buildings with low carbon
emissions to C-DAC Chennai and C-
DAC Bangalore. A project to develop
technologies for achieving power
optimization in HPC systems has also
been initiated at C-DAC Pune.
55. Spreading Awareness Among
Students And Youth
•Making students know what green electronics mean.
•By arranging various activities in school like poster making and
essay writing competition.
•By making then aware how to reduce E-waste and move towards
green electronics
•We can spread awareness among people by rally, posters,
newspaper articles, etc.
56. Spreading awareness through social
media campaign
With technology advancing every day, we have
passed in a new era: that of social media activism,
hashtag activism, or “hashtivism”. We can spread
awareness about green electronics by:
• Writing blogs.
• Sharing information about green electronics
devices.
• Sharing, commenting, discussion and debates.
57. A world filled with green electronics is a team effort. Not only do companies
need to develop and provide more sustainable
devices, but consumers need to purchase them as well. Look for energy
efficient devices and appliances by checking the EPEAT rating for
sustainability. When getting rid of old devices ensure they are being
processed by a responsible recycling facility (every town has different
resources). By working together, consumers, manufacturers and the federal
government can properly promote the development and use of greener
electronics with the overall goal of a cleaner and safer planet for us all.