A book is now available that tells the story of how TCO labelling of computer displays became a global standard. The author is Per Erik Boivie. He explains the motives behind and the content of TCO labelling.

What added value was created by this initiative? What happened during the development process? Which players were involved in the network which drove and supported the project? Which IT companies were "forerunners", who quickly realised that they could gain business advantages by following the concept? Which companies, authorities and organisations tried to scupper the project during this journey? Which institutions supported the project and thereby contributed to its eventual success? And what was it that made major American IT companies, who from the outset were fierce opponents of the initiative, finally get on board?

The fact that a trade union organisation's logo can be a sign of quality on computer displays all over the world is unique. It was not possible to achieve this without the co-operation that grew from the conjunction of two large Swedish popular movements - TCO and the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SNF).

This co-operation also had the full support of Nutek - a government body that brought energy efficiency requirements to the labelling scheme. These are requirements that are very topical, as they currently form an important part of climate politics all over the world.

A synergy was created so that user requirements and environmental requirements in TCO'95 and TCO'99 became an integrated part of the labelling in the years to come. Politically this example shows that user influence can be a condition for the creation of a global and successful standard, that supports excellence rather than being the kind of 'usual' standard that often ends up with the lowest common denominator.

The book can be ordered from TCO.