Zero waste personal computer (ZWPC) project
The Dublin-based SME MicroPro has designed and manufactured a zerowaste, high-specification PC. iameco is the product of a year-long R&D effort aimed at upgrading the already significantly environmental MicroPro XPc into the first PC system to meet the stringent requirements of the European Eco-Label for Computers. The iameco prototype is undergoing a series of technical tests that will allow accreditation as Europe’s 1st genuine Green Computer.
The PC uses only reusable components, can be dismantled by a single worker in 11 minutes, is energy-efficient, and free of hazardous materials, such as brominated flame retardants, PVCs and heavy metals like lead, cadmium and mercury that have been regularly used in computer manufacture for years.
The PC housing is manufactured from recycled aluminium. This maximises energy saving, as minimal additional energy is required for re-manufacture. No plastic is used in the computer housing. The parts and components have been carefully selected to meet RoHS requirements and to minimise electricity consumption, electromagnetic emissions and noise.
Reusable materials and recyclable packaging are also used, resulting in zero waste. These computers are one third the size of standard computers and have been designed to last up to three times longer than traditional PCs, with fully upgradable Intel motherboards which uses a third less power than a mainstream computer. Modular design, allows you to take out and replace an individual part when it fails, as opposed to the whole machine, maximising the options for upgrading and reuse of the PCs.
For further details, download the MicroPro Computers PDF.
