Section 3 – Definitions: Under Development - 5/5/14
This is a working document managed by TG 1-4, with definitions under development by Task Groups as the need arises.
Process for Further Development of Definitions:
1) TGs identify additional terms that need to be included in this list of terms, and propose definitions for those terms. Email new terms and
definitions to the TG 1-4 Chair.
2) Periodically review this document for terms and definitions being proposed.
3) If a TG or JC member would like to propose an alternative or modified definition, email the proposed modification to the TG 1-4 Chair.
Proposed terms, definitions, and/or feedback should be emailed the TG 1-4 chair (Pamela at pbrodyheine@greenelectronicscouncil.org).
To the extent possible, try to harmonize definitions with publically available sources, and provide the reference with date of the reference.
Examples of available sources include:

NSF Sustainability Definitions – This is a compilation of definitions used in NSF Sustainability Standards. Note that this is not an
overarching NSF set of approved definitions, merely a compilation of definitions, and for some terms there are multiple definitions used
in different standards.

CENELEC Glossary

Compilation of Definitions (by EPA) – ask Holly Elwood to check EPA database (Elwood.holly@epa.gov)
Term
Current Proposed Definition
Reference,
including date (if
available)
Abatement system:
Active State:
The operational state in which the computer server is carrying out
work in response to prior or concurrent external requests (e.g.,
instruction over the network). Active state includes both (1) active
processing and (2) data seeking/retrieval from memory, cache, or
internal/external storage while awaiting further input over the
network.
ENERGY STAR
Program
Requirements for
Computer Server
Version 2.0
Section(s)
where term
is used
TG Developing
and Date
Input/Updated
11
TG 11
5? (not
currently
used)
Page 1
Term
Current Proposed Definition
Reference,
including date (if
available)
Additives and fillers:
Alternatives
assessment:
Blade server:
6
A computer server that is designed for use in a blade chassis. A blade
server is a high-density device that functions as an independent
computer server and includes at least one processor and system
memory, but is dependent upon shared blade chassis resources (e.g.,
power supplies, cooling) for operation. A processor or memory module
that is intended to scale up a standalone server is not considered a
Blade Server.
TG 6
ENERGY STAR
Program
Requirements for
Computer Server
Version 2.0
9
A tool which is widely used, readily available on for purchase and can
be purchased by any individual or business without restrictions.
9 and 10
Compostable:
Computer server:
TG Developing
and Date
Input/Updated
7
Compatible recycling
streams:
Commonly available
tools:
Section(s)
where term
is used
TG 9/10
8
Computer servers that provide services and manages networked
resources for client devices (e.g., desktop computers, notebook
computers, thin clients, wireless devices, PDAs, IP telephones, other
computer servers, or other network devices). A computer server is
sold through enterprise channels for use in data centers and
office/corporate environments. A computer server is primarily
accessed via network connections, versus directly-connected user
input devices such as a keyboard or mouse. For purposes of this
standard, a computer server must meet all of the following criteria:

ENERGY STAR
Program
Requirements for
Computer Server
Version 2.0
1 and 5
is marketed and sold as a Computer Server;
Page 2
Term
Current Proposed Definition

is designed for and listed as supporting one or more computer
server operating systems

(OS) and/or hypervisors;

is targeted to run user-installed applications typically, but not
exclusively, enterprise in nature;

provides support for error-correcting code (ECC) and/or
buffered memory (including both buffered dual in-line
memory modules (DIMMs) and buffered on board (BOB)
configurations).

is packaged and sold with one or more ac-dc or dc-dc power
supplies; and

is designed such that all processors have access to shared
system memory and are visible to a single OS or hypervisor.
Reference,
including date (if
available)
Cradle to grave:
Disposal:
Any operation which is not recovery even where the operation has as
a secondary consequence the reclamation of substances or energy.
Waste Framework
Directive
(2008/98/EC)
End of life
management:
Energy recovery:
TG Developing
and Date
Input/Updated
11
TG 11
11 and 12
12
TG 12
12? (not
currently
used)
First customer:
Greenhouse gas
inventory:
Idle state:
Section(s)
where term
is used
The operational state in which the OS and other software have
ENERGY STAR
12
TG 12
11
TG 11
5
Page 3
Term
Current Proposed Definition
completed loading, the computer server is capable of completing
workload transactions, but no active workload transactions are
requested or pending by the system (i.e., the computer server is
operational, but not performing any useful work). For systems where
ACPI standards are applicable, Idle State correlates only to ACPI
System Level S0.
Impact assessment
categories:
Independent
certification body:
Intentionally added:
Lamps:
Section(s)
where term
is used
TG Developing
and Date
Input/Updated
11
TG 11
12
TG 12
6 (under
consideration)
TG 6
Program
Requirements for
Computer Server
Version 2.0
6
Life cycle assessment
(LCA):
Life-cycle extension:
Manufacturer:
Reference,
including date (if
available)
11
TG 11
12
TG 12
All
TG 1-4 & JC Ad
Hoc (4/1/14)
The legal entity that:
 Manufactures a product, and/or
 Has a product designed or manufactured, and/or
 Acquires a product for sale under their brand or
trademark
And is the owner or the licensee of the brand or trademark
under which the product in the scope of this standard is placed
on the market.
Page 4
Term
Current Proposed Definition
Reference,
including date (if
available)
Material recovery:
Multi-node server:
A computer server that is designed with two or more independent
server nodes that share a single enclosure and one or more power
supplies. In a multi-node server, power is distributed to all nodes
through shared power supplies. Server nodes in a multi-node server
are not designed to be hot-swappable.
ENERGY STAR
Program
Requirements for
Computer Server
Version 2.0
Pedestal server:
A self-contained computer server that is designed with PSUs, cooling,
I/O devices, and other resources necessary for stand-alone operation.
The frame of a pedestal server is similar to that of a tower client
computer.
ENERGY STAR
Program
Requirements for
Computer Server
Version 2.0
Plastic film and
stretch wrap:
Section(s)
where term
is used
TG Developing
and Date
Input/Updated
12
TG 12
8
Postconsumer
recycled content:
6, 7 and 8
Preconsumer recycled
content/postindustrial:
Preparing for re-use:
Product:
TG 7
TG 7
Checking, cleaning or repairing refurbishment, re-manufacturing and
recovery operations, by which products or components of products
that have become waste are prepared so that they can be re-used
without any other pre-processing.
A computer server:
(1) Within the scope of the ENERGY STAR Program
Waste Framework
Directive
(2008/98/EC)
9/10??
TG 9/10 (under
consideration)
All
TG 1-4 & JC Ad
Hoc (4/1/14)
Page 5
Term
Current Proposed Definition
Reference,
including date (if
available)
Section(s)
where term
is used
TG Developing
and Date
Input/Updated
9/10??
TG 9/10 (under
consideration)
Requirements for Computer Servers Version 2.0; and
(2) A marketing model with one or more specific configurations
identified, representative of the product’s full range of
configurations as tested for compliance with ENERGY STAR.
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Computer Servers
Version 2.0 defines a computer server as all hardware and
materials contained within the chassis, including the power
supply unit.
Rack-mounted server:
A computer server that is designed for deployment in a standard 19inch data center rack as defined by EIA-310, IEC 60297, or DIN 41494.
For the purposes of this specification, a blade server is considered
under a separate category and excluded from the rack-mounted
category.
ENERGY STAR
Program
Requirements for
Computer Server
Version 2.0
Recovery:
Any operation the principal result of which is waste serving a useful
purpose by replacing other materials which would otherwise have
been used to fulfill a particular function, or waste being prepared
to fulfill that function, in the plant or in the wider economy.
Waste Framework
Directive
(2008/98/EC)
Recyclable:
8 and 9
Recyclable material
streams:
8
Recycled feedstock:
7
Recycled fiber:
(Note that recycled fiber can be post-consumer or post-industrial.)
Recycling:
Any recovery operation by which waste materials are reprocessed into
products, materials or substances whether for the original or other
8
Waste Framework
Directive
9 and 12
TG 9/10 (under
consideration)
Page 6
Term
Current Proposed Definition
purposes. It includes the reprocessing of organic material but does
not include energy recovery and the reprocessing into materials that
are to be used as fuels or for backfilling operations.
Reference,
including date (if
available)
12
Registered and
formerly registered
products:
Remanufacturing:
Repair:
Any operation by which products or components that are not waste
are used again for the same purpose for which they were conceived.
Safer alternative:
Semiconductor
manufacturing tools:
Substance:
Supplier:
Supply chain
management system:
Take-back service:
TG Developing
and Date
Input/Updated
(2008/98/EC)
Refurbishment:
Re-use:
Section(s)
where term
is used
Entity that provides goods or services.
Waste Framework
Directive
(2008/98/EC)
12
TG 12
Not used
currently
TG 9/10
9
TG 9/10
8, 9 and 12
TG 9/10 (under
consideration)
6
TG 6
11
TG 11
6
TG 6
13
TG 1-4
6
12? Not
currently
used
Page 7
Term
Treatment
Current Proposed Definition
Recovery or disposal operations, including preparation prior to
recovery or disposal (Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC)).
OR
Any operation, including preparation activities, leading to the
replacement by means of waste of materials which would otherwise
have been used to fulfill a particular function, inside the plant or in the
wider economy, or leading to disposal, including those activities having
as a secondary consequence the reclamation of substances or energy
Waste:
Reference,
including date (if
available)
Section(s)
where term
is used
TG Developing
and Date
Input/Updated
9/10
TG 9/10 (under
consideration)
Waste Framework
Directive
(2008/98/EC) (first
option)
12
TG 12
Page 8