The issues of environmental preservation and social responsibility are now central to all economic players. Thus, our models are evolving strongly to move from a so-called linear economy to a circular economy. This concept is now finally a reality that will drive us in the long term and change the way companies are governed. A first step has been taken with the rise of CSR projects that include a whole dynamic to “moralize and reason” the growth of companies. On this point, one element now seems to occupy a special place with regard to its impact on the environment: digital technology.
Limiting the carbon footprint of digital technology
Digital technology is strategic in the daily operations of companies and generates many benefits, but it is also the source of significant and increasing environmental damage. Indeed, innovation consumes resources and also leads to numerous problems in terms of recycling.
For example, the manufacture of a 2kg laptop computer requires considerable resources: 800kg of raw materials, 240kg of fossil fuels, 22kg of chemicals, 1.5 tons of water. It is also 330kg of CO2.
So how can we combine economic development and responsibility?
Invest in the notion of second life
If the second life market is now starting to become a consumer trend widely approved by the general public, it still remains too embryonic in companies and public organizations. In this sense, it becomes strategic to raise awareness among professionals on the absolute necessity to not systematically have a reflex to buy new. This is particularly the case for laptops for example and even more so for cell phones and tablets.
Thus, on the one hand, companies will be able to value their old assets by reselling them and access to quality, reconditioned and cheaper equipment. Such an approach, beyond the altruistic side, is also meaningful from an economic point of view and can represent a good pretext to take the step of second hand in the digital industry.
It is worth noting that a whole industry exists today to allow companies to sell, recycle, reuse their equipment or access other reconditioned devices. This sector is also composed of a good number, still small, of adapted companies which have an important action on inclusion through work.
Extending the life and use of equipment must therefore be a key factor in the new governance of companies. It is on this condition that these companies will be able to continue to grow under the best conditions while significantly reducing their environmental footprint.