We manage an estate of around 15,000 Windows PCs and 2,500 Macs. Whilst many devices are within a five-to-six-year age range, there are devices at Imperial that are older with less efficient CPU’s that draw more power usage.

ICT has been investing in and modernising our computing estate, this ensures we benefit not only from more efficient technology, but also more secure, improving our cyber security posture. Visit our device lifecycle management pages to learn how we recycle electronic waste. 

In 2020, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) – comprising data centres, communication networks, and user devices – accounted for an estimated 4-6% of global electricity consumption. Notably, user devices were found to be the major energy consumers at 60%, surpassing the combined energy usage of networks (20%) and data centres (20%) (UK Parliment, 2022). While addressing ICT emissions requires significant political and industrial endeavours, consumers also play a pivotal role. Recognizing the lifecycle impact of our devices encourages thoughtful consideration in our purchasing decisions and prompts reflection on our usage habits once the device is in our possession.

Literary estimates (Goodwin & Ramano, 2021) for cradle-to-grave emissions per laptop are as follows:

  • Mean – 230.2 kg CO2 eq.
    • Equivalent to a train journey of 4025 miles
    • or 28000 smartphone charges
  • Range - 122.2-614.46 kg CO2 eq.

Approximately a third of the associated emissions directly stem from end-user usage, while the remaining energy is consumed in the mining, manufacturing, packaging, and transportation processes.

Sustainability education accordion

Mining

A computer comprises over thirty distinct minerals. In regions marked by political instability, armed groups often use coerced labour for mineral extraction, utilizing the proceeds to fund their activities. Conflict minerals—specifically, Tantalum, Tin, Tungsten, and Gold—collectively designated as 3TG by policymakers, constitute essential components in our electronic devices. The trade in these minerals has consistently been associated with conflict (Csatadi, 2022).

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) deemed the world's wealthiest country in terms of natural resources, grapples with governance challenges that embolden paramilitary groups to vie for control over small-scale mines. Consequently, the eastern DRC has endured prolonged low-scale conflict for decades, resulting in millions of casualties and widespread civilian suffering (Amnesty International , 2016).

Human rights violations are of paramount concern, as laborers toil in open-pit mines without shelter amid recurrent heavy rains and lack necessary protective equipment. In the unfortunate event of a worker's demise, bereaved families receive no compensation, and those refusing unsafe work conditions face dismissal. Gender-based restrictions further hinder women's participation in mining, and if employed, they earn less than half of their male counterparts, often resorting to selling their bodies for entry into mines (Smith, 2015).

Concurrently, environmental ramifications ensue, as mining processes introduce harmful chemicals into water bodies, posing threats to both human and animal life. Ecosystems endure destruction, with habitats experiencing disruption (Hoex, Debrier, & Arian, 2021). The DRC has witnessed a nearly 10% reduction in forest cover since 2010, primarily attributable to mining activities, rendering the forests susceptible to poaching. This has resulted in a precipitous decline in the eastern lowland gorilla population in Kahuzi Biega National Park, plummeting from 8000 in 1991 to a mere 250 today, an outcome directly linked to poaching (Csatadi, 2022).

In the United States and the European Union, legislation mandates companies to ensure responsible sourcing of 3TG minerals within their supply chains. However, the efficacy of such regulations in the UK is compromised, as European Union legislation did not take effect until January 1st, 2021—post the closure of the Brexit transition period—resulting in the absence of specific legislation pertaining to conflict minerals in the country (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, 2021).

Manufacturing

The manufacturing stage represents the phase in the lifecycle of products that contributes significantly to carbon emissions. Following mineral extraction, these minerals undergo multiple energy-intensive processes before being fashioned into components for devices. Not only do these processes require global shipping of materials to designated manufacturing plants, but the finished parts are subsequently transported to a central location for assembly. Additionally, the production of our devices entails the use of hazardous chemicals, posing environmental and occupational risks to the workforce.

Devices are frequently manufactured in nations with lower labour costs, where labour regulations tend to be less stringent. This often leads to labour exploitation, characterised by inadequate pay, extended working hours, and unfavourable or unsafe working conditions (China Labor Watch, 2023).

Packaging

Upon completion of the manufacturing process, devices necessitate packaging to safeguard them from potential damage during transit. Generally, packaging involves the utilisation of plastic, Styrofoam, and cardboard.

Most plastics derive from chemicals originating from the production of environmentally impactful fuels, and our persistent reliance on plastic perpetuates the demand for these fuels. The incineration of plastics releases climate-altering gases and toxic air pollutants. Plastic pollution is a ubiquitous challenge, exposing us daily to its adverse effects, including the littering of streets and countryside. Moreover, it poses serious health risks such as cancers, hormonal imbalances, respiratory diseases, fertility issues, reproductive problems, and cardiovascular diseases. A particularly alarming consequence of widespread plastic use is the existence of The Great Pacific Garbage Patch – an expansive 620,000 square mile accumulation of debris, three times the size of France. It stands as the world's largest ocean waste repository, harbouring nearly two billion pieces of floating plastic that contribute to the demise of thousands of marine animals annually (Lebreton, Slat, & Ferrari, 2018).

Polystyrene foam, commonly known as Styrofoam, shares the non-biodegradable trait, typically fragmenting into minuscule pieces that persist in the environment for centuries. The production of Styrofoam involves the use of hydrocarbons, which, upon release into the atmosphere, react with nitrogen oxides to generate ground-level ozone. The chemical styrene, a fundamental component of Styrofoam, has been associated with adverse health effects, including cancer, vision and hearing loss, impaired memory and concentration, and nervous system impacts, among others (Toxic-Free Future, 2014).

Shipping

The devices are now prepared for shipping. Despite ships being the most energy-efficient mode of cargo transportation, the sheer scale of the industry renders it impactful on the environment. Ships contribute to over 18% of nitrogen oxides pollution and account for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions (SINAY, 2023). In the global hierarchy of greenhouse gas emitters, shipping occupies the sixth position, sandwiched between Japan and Germany (World Economic Forum, 2018).

The ramifications of shipping extend beyond emissions, encompassing various consequences, some more apparent than others. These include issues such as sound pollution, collisions with wildlife, oil spills, inadvertent discharge of solid waste, bilge water discharge, ballast water discharge, and wastewater discharge, among other concerns (Walker, et al., 2019).

Usage

The point of device reception marks the initiation of their use. Once these devices find a place in our homes or offices, they become reliant on electricity for operation. As of December 2023, the renewable energy share in the UK's electricity generation was 44.5% (Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, 2023). While there is a likelihood that our devices are powered by renewable energy, it is imperative to remain conscientious of our choices. Mitigating our environmental impact involves practices such as minimising electricity consumption by turning off and unplugging devices when not in use, implementing power-saving settings, and opting for energy-efficient products.

At the organisational level, the department of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a significant role. Implementing device-based policies to enforce stringent power-saving measures is crucial. Encouraging the procurement of lower-power technology ensures devices consume minimal power in certain states. Considering that not every user necessitates a high-performance device assessing whether the power purchased aligns with a user's workload is essential. If not, exploring suitable alternatives that do not compromise their capacity to perform in their role becomes crucial. Additionally, scrutinising the necessity of multiple screens is pivotal, as each additional screen contributes to approximately 25% more CO2 equivalent (University of Oxford, 2022).

Laptops exert a considerable environmental impact, primarily due to users' frequent replacement tendencies. Re-evaluating the college policy on device replacement is prudent, with an emphasis on encouraging certain users to retain their devices for extended periods, especially if their workload permits such sustainability for their machines (University of Oxford, 2022).

Recycle

E-waste, also known as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), stands out as one of the world's fastest-growing waste streams. The United Nations (2015) has aptly labelled this surge as a "tsunami of e-waste", underscoring the urgency for immediate action to safeguard human health and the environment from the repercussions of inadequate handling and disposal of discarded devices. Recyclers sometimes ship these devices overseas to countries with less stringent environmental and safety standards, exposing both workers and the environment to toxic substances, resulting in

significant environmental and health challenges (Greenpeace, 2012). Alarming statistics from the World Health Organisation estimate that approximately 18 million children are engaged in perilous e-waste dump sites globally (World Health Organisation, 2023).

Nonetheless, closing the loop in the life cycle of a computer becomes imperative if executed responsibly. This measure can contribute to a reduction in the initial energy and resource requirements of a computer's life and eliminate the necessity for additional mineral mining. Annually, the reclamation of more than £850 million worth of precious metals, including enough gold to create nearly a million rings, can be achieved by salvaging materials from our outdated electrical devices (British Metals Recycling Association, 2022). Remarkably, nearly 98% of a laptop is recyclable (Short & Jade, 2022). The comprehensive recycling of all old electrical devices has the potential to curtail CO2 emissions by an amount equivalent to removing 1.3 million cars from the road (UK Parliment, 2020).

Moreover, if a device has not reached its end of life but no longer meets one's requirements, there are opportunities to benefit others. These devices can be repurposed for schools, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, or charitable organisations.

Notwithstanding the evident challenges, appropriate recycling methods for e-waste could yield substantial economic returns, estimated at over 62.5 billion dollars annually (United Nationes Environment Programme, 2019).

References

Amnesty International . (2016). "This is what we die for": Human rights abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo power the global tradein cobalt. London: Amnesty International Ltd.

British Metals Recycling Association. (2022, December 20). New rules urgently needed to help safely deal with mountain of unwanted electrical waste. Retrieved from British Metals Recycling Association: https://www.recyclemetals.org/newsandarticles/mountain-of-unwanted-electrical-waste.html

China Labor Watch. (2023). Labor Conditions in China’s Consumer Electronics Sector . New York: China Labor Watch.

Csatadi, K. (2022, September 30). Technology and conflict minerals. Retrieved from ethical consumer: https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/technology/technology-conflict-minerals

Department for Energy Security & Net Zero. (2023, December 21). Energy Trends UK, July to September 2023. Retrieved from GOV.UK: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6582da2d23b70a0013234cef/Energy_Trends_December_2023.pdf

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. (2021, January 27). Guidance: Importing ‘conflict minerals’ into Northern Ireland. Retrieved from GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/importing-conflict-minerals-into-northern-ireland

Goodwin, I., & Ramano, T. (2021). Evaluating the Life Cycle GHG Emissions of University Purchases: A Preliminary Analysis of the UCL Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment. London: University College London.

Greenpeace. (2012, April 21). What really happens to your plastic recycling? Retrieved from Greenpeace: https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/news/plastic-recycling-export-incineration/

Hoex, L., Debrier, G., & Arian, H. (2021). Comparative analysis between cobalt and 3T sourcing from the DRC. Antwerp: IPIS.

Lebreton, L., Slat, B., & Ferrari, F. e. (2018). Evidence that the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is rapidly accumulating plastic. Scientific Reports.

Short, & Jade. (2022, May 20). 6 benefits of recycling your old IT equipment. Retrieved from Stone: https://www.stonegroup.co.uk/blog/6-benefits-of-recycling-your-old-it-equipment/

SINAY. (2023, September 22). How much does the shipping industry contribute to global CO2 emissions? Retrieved from SINAY Maritime Data Solution: https://sinay.ai/en/how-much-does-the-shipping-industry-contribute-to-global-co2-emissions/#:~:text=The%20maritime%20transportation%20industry%20contributes,the%20world's%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions.

Smith, J. H. (2015). “May it never end”: Price wars, networks, and temporality in the “3 Ts” mining trade of the Eastern DR Congo. Journal of Ethnographic Theory, 1-34.

Toxic-Free Future. (2014, May 26). Styrene and polystyrene foam 101. Retrieved from Toxic-Free Future: https://toxicfreefuture.org/blog/styrene-and-styrofoam-101-2/#:~:text=Why%20avoid%20polystyrene%20foam%3F,effects%E2%80%A6the%20list%20goes%20on.

UK Parliment. (2020, November 26). Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy. Retrieved from UK Parliment: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5801/cmselect/cmenvaud/220/22006.htm

UK Parliment. (2022). Energy Consumption of ICT. London: UK Parliment.

United Nationes Environment Programme. (2019, January 24). UN report: Time to seize opportunity, tackle challenge of e-waste. Retrieved from United Nationes Environment Programme: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/un-report-time-seize-opportunity-tackle-challenge-e-waste#:~:text=The%20world%20produces%20as%20much,the%20GDP%20of%20most%20countries.

United Nations. (2015, May 5). UN environment chief warns of ‘tsunami’ of e-waste at conference on chemical treaties. Retrieved from Sustainable Development Goals: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2015/05/un-environment-chief-warns-of-tsunami-of-e-waste-at-conference-on-chemical-treaties/

University of Oxford. (2022, April 13). Environmental impact of IT: desktops, laptops and screens. Retrieved from University of Oxford: https://www.it.ox.ac.uk/article/environment-and-it

Walker, T. R., Adebambo, O., Del Aguila Feijoo, M. C., Elhaimer, E., Hossain, T., Edwards, S. J., . . . Zomorodi, S. (2019). Environmental Effects of Marine Transportation. In C. Sheppard, World Seas: An Environmental Evaluation (Second Edition) (pp. 505-530). Cambridge, Massachusetts: Academic Press.

World Economic Forum. (2018, April 1). If shipping were a country, it would be the world’s sixth-biggest greenhouse gas emitter. Retrieved from World Economic Forum:

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/04/if-shipping-were-a-country-it-would-be-the-world-s-sixth-biggest-greenhouse-gas-emitter/

World Health Organisation. (2023, October 18). Electronic waste (e-waste). Retrieved from World Health Organisation: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/electronic-waste-(e-waste)