Using a notebook computer for three more years can cut emissions in half

For most notebook computers, a majority of lifetime greenhouse gas emissions are scope 3. The manufacturing is energy intensive from raw material extraction to final assembly, and factories are often powered by fossil fuels. Before a notebook computer reaches its first user, it has already generated approximately 250 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions. If it is discarded after only three years, scope 3 emissions will amount to 94 percent of total lifetime emissions (251 kg of 266.6 kg).

The good news is that you can influence annual emissions by using the product smarter. Keeping the notebook computer for four years instead of three reduces its annual footprint by 23.5% or 20.9 kg. If you decide to double its use time from three to six years, the annual emissions of greenhouse gases are reduced by almost half (47%).

While extending the lifespan of notebook computers is necessary for reducing the climate impact of the IT sector, not all of them are designed for a long life. By choosing a notebook certified according to TCO Certified, you can be sure that it is designed to last. All certified notebooks must be durable and possible to upgrade and repair. They must have at least one year’s warranty, and spare parts must be available throughout the validity period of the certificate. IT products are often replaced because the battery has lost its ability to hold a charge. TCO Certified includes criteria for battery life and replaceability. Product performance criteria improve user productivity and satisfaction for a longer time.

Each year, around 30 million notebooks certified according to TCO Certified are manufactured. These products are made for a much longer life than three years. Let’s take a look at potential reductions of greenhouse gas emissions if they were to be used for one more year, and three more years.

If all certified notebook computers that were manufactured in 2023 were used for six years instead of three, it would result in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 1,257,000 metric tons per year. Even one more year would make a big difference, with annual reductions of 627,000 metric tons.

In Report Generator, you can create customized product sustainability reports with scope 2 and 3 data for certified products. You get access to product carbon footprint measurements and gain clarity on the climate impact of your IT product portfolio — in the use phase and supply chain. You can also calculate annual emissions and reductions when products are used longer.