Environmental Certifications
ENERY STAR Qualification
ENERGY STAR, a joint program between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy, offers voluntary qualification for products that are energy efficient. The ENERGY STAR program sets high standards designed to save energy, save money and help protect the environment for future generations. Panasonic is one of more than 7,000 organizations that have become ENERGY STAR partners, all working to improve the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses. Panasonics commitment to ENERGY STAR initiatives and other environmental programs have resulted in all Toughbook computers receiving the ENERGY STAR 5.0 qualification.
ENERGY STAR 5.0 for computers raises the efficiency bar dramatically. ENERGY STAR 5.0 establishes efficiency requirements for all modes of a computers operation, which ensures energy savings when a computer is active and running basic applications, as well as in low power modes. Qualifying computers must also include an internal power supply that is at least 80 percent efficient. Only the most energy-efficient products, including all Toughbook computers have qualified for the new specification. ENERGY STAR estimates that these new requirements can save $1.8 billion in energy costs over the next five years and prevent greenhouse gas releases equal to the annual emissions of 2.7 million vehicles.
ISO Certification
Since 1996, all Panasonic manufacturing plants worldwide including the factory in Kobe, Japan where Toughbook mobile computers are made—have achieved ISO 14001 registration and implemented the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. The Kobe factory has also been certified for ISO 9001, an international standard for quality management systems that enhance product quality assurance and customer satisfaction.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international federation promoting the development of international manufacturing, trade, and communication standards. ISO 14000, a series of standards, provides the framework for managing the environmental impacts of an organization.
The ISO 14001 international standard established a systematic approach that organizations can use to minimize or prevent environmental impacts and risks. This approach, known as an Environmental Management System or EMS, requires the organization to establish an environmental control policy, educate employees about procedures and continually monitor environmental performance.
RoHS Compliance
Toughbook mobile computers comply with regulations that restrict the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment sold in European markets. The European Unions Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive bans lead and five other hazardous substances from manufacturing processes. For manufacturers of electronic equipment, the main impact of RoHS is that only lead-free products can be sold in Europe. Panasonic has therefore shifted to lead-free solder. By selling RoHS-compliant Toughbook computers in all countries, not just Europe, Panasonic helps eliminate hazardous electronic waste materials from landfills and waste dumps around the world.
General Certifications
Section 508 Standards
Section 508 was enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology, to make available new opportunities for people with disabilities, and to encourage development of technologies that will help achieve these goals. Electronic and information technology procured by Federal agencies must meet Section 508s requirements for accessibility.
Toughbook mobile computers have long been designed and manufactured with access-friendly features, such as touchscreens and the ability to be mounted on wheelchairs. In addition, Panasonic works closely with Microsoft to ensure that Toughbook computers can take full advantage of the accessibility features built into Windows. Panasonic continually endeavors to make all its products more accessible to, and usable by, individuals with disabilities. In fact, Panasonic worked with ITIC (Information Technology Industry Council) in developing the Section 508 "Buy Accessible" template, and also actively participates in the GSA (General Services Administration) sponsored Accessibility Forum.
View the Section 508 statement and chart.
Wireless Certifications
Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless certifies a range of Toughbook mobile computers for use on their nationwide broadband network. All Toughbook models have been fully tested and approved for Verizon Wireless high-speed network, allowing users to access the internet, corporate files, company networks and VPNs without the need for PC cards or Wi-Fi hotspots.
View all Toughbook mobile computers certified for the Verizon Wireless network.
Sprint Wireless
Sprint certifies Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers for use on their dependable 3G network. Sprint Mobile Broadband provides secure, high-speed wireless access to email, business information and applications in more than 18,000 cities and 1,800 airports nationwide, reaching more than 249 million people.
View all Toughbook mobile computers certified for the Sprint Wireless network.