How do you measure the environmental impact of a Kindle 2 or iPad? : Part 1

The Kindle 2 continues to hold consumer attention despite Apple’s recent entry in the eBook reader space with its long anticipated iPad. Both devices have slim form factors and access to a lot of reading material but barring that, the list of features differs significantly. Regardless, the minds behind those products products are competing for the same segments and will be looking for ways to differentiate themselves. How?

Beyond new features and more content, what are potential customers interested in? One answer is how green a product is. Many are willing to pay a premium for green products, though it isn’t a majority yet. And while there are a few studies on the carbon footprint of a Kindle 2 and how students may use it in the classroom to replace text books, Amazon isn’t trumpeting its green qualities. Apple talks about apps, calendar, keyboard docking station etc. but it also fails to emphasize any green qualities of the iPad.

Looking at the subtext of those omissions, the picture is a bit murky on how much of a positive difference either product is making on the environment. Becoming transparent is an important first step, and it’s one Apple and Amazon may not be willing to take.

However if they were to become transparent and share the results of their research, software would make a huge impact in how they develop effective measurements. One company operating in that space, PTC, just acquired Planet Metrics, which is a company focused on developing environmental analytics such as performance metrics, baselines, risk analysis, scenarios, and resource productivity.

Essentially they help companies figure out how to evaluate their green credentials and improve their score. As more people purchase eBook readers like the iPad, Kindle 2 and Barnes & Noble Nook their environmental impact will continue to grow, think of mobile phones now. This is the first in a series of articles at Tainted Green that will look at the environmental impact of eBook readers.