Utility rebates are coming. A key driver to getting consumers to choose more power-frugal air conditioners and the like have been rebate programs from utility companies, offering up to $100 or so for choosing a more energy-efficient model. A spokesman for the Consortium of Energy Efficiency, which works with utilities on such programs, said we should in 2008 see the first such programs targeted at consumer electronics; again, TVs seem a likely first target.

An assessment tool advances. EPEAT, which stands for Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, allows buyers to identify and evaluate greener electronic products according to three tiers of environmental performance: bronze, silver and gold, based on how many of 51 environmental criteria the items meet. As of December 2007, the federal government—which buys an estimated $63 billion worth of electronic equipment a year, the most of any buyer—has been required to buy only EPEAT-registered gear, a development that will increase EPEAT's impact. So far, EPEAT covers only computer desktops, laptops, and monitors, and not all models that qualify are available to consumers. But the numbers of qualified consumer models is growing and the program is expected to expand into other products, perhaps even later in 2008.

Manufacturers are identifying more green features that appeal in other ways, too. Or as one panelist put it: "The best green features are those that are invisible, or that the consumer sees as useful for other reasons, too." For example, reducing packaging for electronics goods reduces both carbon footprint and the amount of cardboard and plastic consumers have to dispose of. And sleep modes on computer peripherals such as printers can not only save energy but reduce noise and how often you may turn the device on and off.

But there was also discussion by industry types of some dilemmas and paradoxes that may delay or at least complicate progress in other green areas:

Ambivalent consumer commitment. Manufacturers representatives repeatedly said most consumers seem willing to buy greener electronics products only if they perform as well and cost no more than regular models. Or as one panelist put it: "The average person in Best Buy votes [on green issues] with their pocketbook." Analysts' reports suggesting that only 10 or 12 percent of consumers will pay more for a green consumer electronics (CE) product were often cited as evidence of how marginal environmental impact is as a concern. A few panelists, however, noted the figure has grown in recent years, promises to grow more, and indicates a lucrative niche marketing opportunity that they plan to pursue.

Competing environmental priorities. By and large, most corporate programs are focusing on reduction of greenhouse emissions, including the recycling and reuse of products. But several panelists pointed out that what helps reduce gases may be at odds with other environmental priorities advocated by some interest groups and governments.

For example, Fern Abrams, an executive with IPC, an association of electronics manufacturers, told me that a key priority of European regulators is toxicity of materials. That, she said, resulted in their adoption of a standard calling for all solder used in electronics sold in Europe to be lead-free. As a result, lead-free tin-alloy solder is now used in most electronics gear in the world, she says, even though a subsequent EPA study found it to be worse than lead solder in its impact on air pollution, acid rain, water quality, and global climate change.*

Not all companies are yet on board. The panelists were mostly from large consumer electronics (CE) companies that are among the leaders in corporate environmental programs. While they were generally leery of government regulation of the greenness of electronics goods, some would like regulators to create a "level playing field," as a Dell spokesman put it, so that less-green competitors are also mandated to begin programs in areas like recycling and reduction of greenhouse gases.

Want more in-depth information than this snapshot of "green CES" has provided? In addition the websites listed above, there's GreenerChoices.org, the environmental website from Consumers Union, Consumer Reports' parent organization. Among its useful features is a chart comparing computer manufacturers on their recycling programs and number of EPEAT-qualified products. The Consumer Electronics Association, the manufacturers' group that runs CES, has an environmental website that also offers useful information, including a search by zip code of recycling programs.

—Paul Reynolds

* Jan. 31, 2008 UPDATE:A previous version of this post stated incorrectly that the EPEAT ratings do not report scores by specific environmental impacts.—Ed.
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