For most IT products, the majority of greenhouse gas emissions occur in the manufacturing phase. The production process is energy-intensive, and most factories are powered by fossil fuels. Before a notebook computer reaches its first user, it has already generated approximately 250 kilograms of greenhouse gases. If it is discarded after only three years, these emissions will amount to over 90 percent of total lifetime emissions.

Today, we often give IT products a short life. Once they are discarded, only a small percentage is recycled. Instead, virgin natural resources are used to produce new products, which leads to larger greenhouse gas emissions than if recycled materials were used. In our mostly linear economy, we are overusing finite natural resources, and in our pursuit of them, natural habitats with vegetation that can capture carbon are being destroyed. The short life we give IT products also creates huge amounts of toxic e-waste — more than 50 million metric tons, a figure that grows every year. In many ways, climate change, circularity and e-waste are closely linked. Addressing one of these areas will have a positive impact on the other two.

We can do a lot to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the IT sector, especially compared to other industries like steel and construction. By doubling a notebook computer’s use time from three years to six, the annual greenhouse gas footprint is almost halved. Even extending its life with one more year will make a big difference — keeping it for four years instead of three reduces its annual footprint by an impressive 23,5 percent. If you decide to double its use time, annualized emissions will drop by close to 50%. These figures vary depending on where in the world you are — here we have used an EU average.

Measuring emissions and reductions is valuable if we focus on the right metrics. The most common method used today is calculating the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) by aggregating all greenhouse gas emissions into the first year of a product’s life. This method doesn’t consider the option of using products longer. By annualizing our calculations, and dividing total emissions by the number of years the product is intended to be used, it becomes clear how important it is to extend the product’s life when we want to reduce its climate impact.

Because most greenhouse gas emissions come from manufacturing, it’s crucial that we prevent excess manufacturing and perpetuate those emissions time and time again. An effective way to do this is to extend the lifespan of products. Implement a program for redeploying IT equipment within your organization. After its initial use, a product can often be repurposed for less data-intensive tasks, where it can continue to function effectively.

It’s important to adopt a workplace management perspective and make responsible decisions about the size of your IT infrastructure. Even if you purchase the most sustainable computer screens available, your negative impact will still be excessive if each employee is provided with three screens.

When procuring products, it’s important to include aspects that enable an extended product life. One effective strategy is to source refurbished and remanufactured items. Additionally, plan for longer procurement cycles; aim for a minimum of five years when purchasing a notebook computer. This is only possible if you select the right models. Ensure that the models you choose are durable, have sufficient capacity for use throughout that period, and can be easily upgraded and repaired if needed. Also, check that they come with an extended warranty and receive regular security and functionality updates to prevent software issues from occurring.

When IT products no longer serve your organization’s needs, they can be valuable elsewhere. Consider giving them a second life by selling or donating them, which can also generate additional income.

TCO Certified helps you address the climate issue in a scientific and comprehensive way, with strict criteria to improve both production and product design. We’re re-thinking climate strategy with a wide range of measures, including incentives for industry and users to extend product lifespans and a new focus on renewable energy in factories.

Using TCO Certified in procurement helps you reduce the climate footprint of your IT systems, both in scope 2 and scope 3. The products you source are energy efficient and designed for a long life. Verified sustainability data is included to support your reporting.