Companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprints by simply extending the refresh cycle of their corporate hardware, according to new research from digital services and cybersecurity firm Atos. 

The firm’s Sustainable Workplace paper notes that high levels of e-waste are endemic across the IT industry, with over 42 million tonnes so far this year, of which currently only around 12% is recycled. 

Since 79% of a laptop’s carbon footprint is produced during manufacturing, and with each new device creating roughly 338kg CO2eq of carbon before use, the report highlights the huge environmental impact that life cycle extension can have.   

By doing nothing but waiting for four years to replace laptops, instead of sticking to the standard three-year refresh, Atos claims that enterprises can gain a 25% reduction in emissions without downgrading performance or user experience, and could even achieve an 8-10 lifespan for their equipment by opting for remanufacturing.

With a study of 28.5 million devices, Atos found that over three-quarters (76%) of corporate laptops can be remanufactured, while the remaining 24% of devices could be refurbished or recycled to contribute to the circular economy.

By remanufacturing their hardware, firms could save 1,200kg of the earth’s resources, but still achieve the same reliability and performance as new devices. 

The findings reveal that most devices could have a much longer first, second, and even third life on average, with 88% of the hardware sent for decommissioning still functioning and only in need of refurbishment, which might be as simple as replacing faulty screens.

The study also indicates the role employees can play in reducing the carbon footprint of work devices. For example, evidence shows that 16% of corporate devices run for over 23 hours a day, despite 28% having less than 2 hours of interaction, and 6% having no interaction at all. 

Taking the time to educate staff on switching off devices when they’re not needed could make a dent in carbon outputs.

By questioning employees on their views around sustainability, Atos found that 75% would be willing to keep their devices longer if they were aware of the environmental benefits, but companies are falling short on pushing environmental engagement in the workplace. 

Recommended reading

• How Much E-waste is Generated in the UK?
• Is the UK Government Doing Enough to Tackle the “E-waste Tsunami”?
• New Study: A Third of Scots Don’t Know How to Recycle E-waste

Commenting on the findings, David Welling, IT sustainability governance lead for the National Grid said: “Within our own organisation, we are looking at using the data from this study to drive strategic changes in behaviour.

“Today, very few of us would consider using our laptops to impact the demand variability of the grid. Yet nobody would think twice about charging their electric vehicle overnight when demand is lower and energy is greener. 

“If we can connect that kind of demand flexibility with ICT, we have a real opportunity to fundamentally change the greenhouse gas emissions of entire energy systems for entire countries”.

Atos’ tips to reduce carbon footprints at work include conducting bi-annual health checks on devices, allowing employees to keep devices for four years before refresh, remanufacturing devices that are returned early, and donating when possible to maximise the third life of older models.