Apple Backpedals, Puts "All Eligible Products" Back on EPEAT Environmental Registry

[benguild]

My guess is this has something to do with the televisions, and that Apple pulled the certification early so that the TVs wouldn't be looked at negatively.

I doubt any of the TV manufacturers care that much about the environment since they're all trying to compete on price, which is really a shame since most people just dump their old TVs into landfills.

 

[WildCowboy]

Really ? Wow. I thought this organization had that "easy to dissemble " part that disqualified the rMBP.

Ya, I don't know what the story is, but here is the listing for one model of the rMBP.

(EPEAT site is currently getting hammered, so availability is intermittent.)

 

[hayesk]

...but if it had been Samsung...

Well, it wasn't Samsung. We can play what if all day long but until that actually happens, there's no point to be made.

 

[Mad-B-One]

Good to see Apple back on the EPEAT. I'm surprised the MBPr is on there? I thought the glued in battery precluded it from getting approval? or has it just received a lower grade? Glueing in the battery is on face value a stupid idea. Though I don't know the product well enough to say if they've had to use glue to get it in there and prevent using other fixing plates (though I doubt it really had no other option that to glue it)

Wholeheartedly agree (even with the part I didn't cite ) and I, too, think they could have used break-away latches being gued only or glue that gives in when you try to lift the battery. There are tons of other solutions out there. In my eyes, it is just to a) force more people into AppleCare(+*) and to shorten the life cycle after the 3 years are over: You can't replace a broken battery, you gotta buy a new laptop or use pricy Apple repair.

*AppleCare+ is not available everywhere

PS/edit: The rMBP got 21 points over the Mac Mini with 18 - this is hyporitical. You can take the Mac Mini appart, replace HDD, RAM, etc. You are even encouraged to help yourself with the simple stuff. It is easy to access o the bottom.

 

[jlgolson]

Bummer. I thought this might be the kick Apple needs to realize that putting proprietary hardware in their laptops is a big middle finger to its customers.

Given the increase in Apple's sales over the past few years, it's clear that the vast majority of customers don't care about the proprietary hardware.

On the contrary, they prefer the increased battery life and smaller hardware that proprietary hardware can deliver.

 

[Mad-B-One]

What makes you think they didn't?

The anwer to the question asked is in the article?

 

[PlaceofDis]

I cannot stand waffling.
"Oh we made a decision. Oh, people are getting angry, let's change our decision."
Screw that. For better or for worse, make a choice and stick to it.
Finally, I hope Apple never lets these EPEAT standards dictate what they can or cannot do as far as product design.

we live in a world that is constantly changing. everything around us changes and so its much better for them to revisit the issue and change than stand tall because they made a choice. they realized it was either a mistake, or that EPEAT would change and adapt along with them. this is a good thing.

 

[gdbleb]

Strange

This whole scenario was very strange.
I can only surmise that there was a wiz-bang cat fight behind closed doors about "standards needing to evolve" before it all boiled over in public.

 

[cvaldes]

It's possible that this was Apple using their weight to change the standards.

And if they were doing so, then ultimately they acted in the best interests.

Here's a key quote from EPEAT CEO Frisbee:
"We look forward to Apple’s strong and creative thoughts on ongoing standards development."

That insinuates that Apple approached the Green Electronics Council to make certain changes to EPEAT. It is likely that Apple's suggestions proposed for more stringent criteria and would have disqualified many products from the competition.

Or heck, it could have been something like "let's use EPEAT on smartphones and tablets." What if other handset manufacturers had that dropped in their laps and they weren't ready for it? Would it be likely that they would protest to the Green Electronics Council?

If the Green Electronics Council balked at Apple's proposals, then Apple forced their hand by withdrawing. Losing one of the biggest consumer electronics companies on the planet (and one which helped drafted the original EPEAT) was probably too much for the Green Electronics Council to stomach.

We'll probably never know the full story, but my hunch is that Apple called the Green Electronics Council's bluff and the latter folded.

We can only see the heavily sanitized public statements, but Frisbee's comment pretty much says that Apple will have a more prominent voice at how EPEAT evolves.

 

[Krazy Bill]

The Retina MacBook Pro is currently gold certified.

Well htf is this possible? You need a sledgehammer and crowbar to dismantle it.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

The Retina MacBook Pro is currently gold certified.

Has EPEAT updated its requirements already?

 

[wgnoyes]

So we all trust now that San Francisco is going to back down, right?

 

[Krazy Bill]

So we all trust now that San Francisco is going to back down, right?

Actually, SF will be taking credit for this change. That's all those pompous bastards need is more encouragement.

 

[Mad-B-One]

Perhaps Apple have behind the scenes and got fed up with EPEAT buggering around. I guess this highlighted EPEATS reluctance to update their standards in line with the pace of modern technology.

Perhaps aliens told Tim to quit. It is all speculation. Point is: When the Feds decided that not meeting that purchaise standard through certification, Apple gave in right away. Apple tried to bully here instead of having an open discussion. As stated, it is the whole industry which wants the standards modernized. An open discussion would not have offended anyone. Who knows why they are behind? Maybe they don't get enough input? Maybe the pull from Apple was intended to weaken the voices of the ones who want to have an emphasis on environmental factors? If Apple would let them help to build their products even better - e.g. not glueing the battery into the case locking in touchpad and cables - maybe even the customers would profit. Maybe.

 

[BriSpe]

I would have had more respect for AAPL if they had held their ground...very strange move

I cannot stand waffling.
"Oh we made a decision. Oh, people are getting angry, let's change our decision."
Screw that. For better or for worse, make a choice and stick to it.
Finally, I hope Apple never lets these EPEAT standards dictate what they can or cannot do as far as product design.

This is the attitude of very stubborn people.
You know...it takes more courage to change your mind than to stick to your wrong thoughts.
Learn from that. This attitude won't bring you very far in your life.

Apple made the right decision. It shows us, that they don't behave like little children like some users here in the forum

 

[blumpkin]

I still don't care.

 

[Daalseth]

Very glad to see this.
Stay in and help to evolve the standards.
Much better than taking their ball and going home.
Of course
Now Greenpeace will scream but
They can bit my shiny metal @$$

 

[samcraig]

I love how people still want to put the blame on EPEAT here and/or insinuate that by reversing their decision Apple is sticking it to EPEAT or whatever.

To recap removing all MR emotions

1. EPEAT has standards set forth to get their rating
2. Apple had several products which qualified. Some new products did not.
3. EPEAT maintained their standards therefor some new Apple products did not get the rating
4. Apple withdrew ALL of their products from EPEAT
5. San Francisco stated that without the EPEAT rating, unfortunately - they couldn't purchase Apple equipment going forward.
6. Apple issues a press release which takes a swipe at EPEAT
7. Apple changes their mind due to SF and regular customers expressing their concerns

The facts seem pretty clear to me. This is a good thing for Apple, EPEAT, SF and all customers. It's not a victory or defeat for any party. Stop trying to make it into one.

 

[Icaras]

I cannot stand waffling.
"Oh we made a decision. Oh, people are getting angry, let's change our decision."
Screw that. For better or for worse, make a choice and stick to it.
Finally, I hope Apple never lets these EPEAT standards dictate what they can or cannot do as far as product design.

I feel exactly the same way. I was very impressed that Apple had stuck to their guns when they publicly explained why they left EPEAT, but I guess they caved in. Unfortunate. I certainly hope this decision does not stand in the way of Apple's design choices in the future.

 

[a.gomez]

Given the increase in Apple's sales over the past few years, it's clear that the vast majority of customers don't care about the proprietary hardware.

On the contrary, they prefer the increased battery life and smaller hardware that proprietary hardware can deliver.

Seeing how the vast majority of customers do not buy an Apple computer the assumption is incorrect (not sure how 12% is the vast majority)

You can assume That the vast majority of "Apple customers" do not care - But it is clear that "the majority" are not willing to pay the price for the proprietary hardware regardless of benefits.

 

[tpr007]

Companies make mistakes...

Yup. And this is a good response by Apple

 

[sailmac]

I'm not convinced Apple fumbled and backtracked. I'm more inclined to believe they considered their options, potential outcomes, and what events would trigger the next strategic move. People get paid to think in this fashion, and I believe Apple employs more than a few.

At this point I think all of the main parties have made their points and know how they plan to move forward. Another day in the world of 3rd-party relationships.

 

[samcraig]

I feel exactly the same way. I was very impressed that Apple had stuck to their guns when they publicly explained why they left EPEAT, but I guess they caved in. Unfortunate. I certainly hope this decision does not stand in the way of Apple's design choices in the future.

I think some people don't understand that a company does not HAVE to adhere to EPEAT standards. Apple - has many products which comply. Some that don't and some that aren't even available to be certified. EPEAT doesn't DICTATE what anyone does. They certify or don't certify. It's up to the manufacturer to make any considerations based on their goals.

And it's companies/government agencies who determine whether or not choose to make purchase decisions based on ratings - EPEAT or others.

It's a shame that some people still think EPEAT is "forcing" Apple to do anything. They aren't.

 

[The Phazer]

Good news. Pulling out was a stupid decision, that has been reversed.

I look forward to the head exploding and ass backwards logic of some of those who decided that because Apple was on one side EPEAT must somehow be evil.

 

[blow45]

typical apple..

A) do something unilateral and drastic
b) sit silent for a few days while watching backlash from upset customers and media
c) offer half-hazard "i am not pissing on your head, it's just raining" explanation
d) reverse (a)

qft.