Electronics Stewardship

IHS is currently working to ensure that the electronics we purchase are as efficient as possible, that they are operated as efficiently as possible, and that they are properly dismantled and recycled at the end of their lifecycle.

IHS electronics stewardship objectives:

• Establish and implement policy and guidance to ensure the use of power management, double-sided printing, and other energy-efficient or environmentally-preferable options and features;
• Reflect environmentally sound practices for disposal of all agency extra or surplus electronics products;
• Ensure implementation of best management practices (BMPs) to ensure the energy-efficient management of servers and data centers;
• Identify how the agency intends to meet technology energy consumption reduction goals in its data center; and
• Adhere to the HHS Policy for Electronic Stewardship Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov .

Additional Resources:

• Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Policy for Electronic Stewardship Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  : The purpose of this policy is to provide the framework for the implementation of sound environmental practices in the acquisition, operations and maintenance, and end-of-life management of HHS-purchased electronic products.
• Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT®) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  : A system that assists purchasers with evaluating, comparing, and selecting electronic products based on their environmental attributes. The system currently covers desktop and laptop computers, "thin clients," workstations, and monitors.
• Reuse of Electronic Equipment - Fact Sheet Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  [PDF] : Outlines different options available to federal agencies for reuse of federally-owned electronic equipment.
• Earth911 Recycling 101 Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  : Provides basic information on recycling for items such as electronics, hazardous materials, plastics, paper, household items, gardening materials, automotive materials, metals, glass, and construction materials.
• Federal Electronics Challenge Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  : The Federal Electronics Challenge (FEC) is a partnership program that encourages federal facilities and agencies to purchase greener electronics; reduce impacts of electronics during use; and manage used electronics in an environmentally safe way.