What does end-of-life mean for a device?
The end-of-life of a device doesn’t only refer to its daily use. It is part of a complete lifecycle that includes its manufacturing, usage, and recycling or disposal. Understanding this lifecycle is key to minimizing its environmental impact. At Sopht, we help businesses map and reduce the environmental footprint of their devices by modeling concrete actions for a more sustainable future.
The concept of a lifecycle
Every device undergoes several lifecycle stages:
- Manufacturing: The extraction of raw materials and production processes are highly resource- and energy-intensive.
- Usage: While the most visible stage, its impact is moderate compared to manufacturing.
- End-of-life: Responsible management at this stage is essential to avoid electronic waste (e-waste) and promote recycling.
Why should companies get involved?
Corporate environmental goals (e.g., through the GHG Protocol, specifically Capital Goods) include IT equipment. Mapping the impact of devices over time allows businesses to prioritize effective actions. Sopht provides tailored solutions to support these initiatives.
Extending the lifespan of devices
First step: lengthen device lifespan
Extending a device’s lifespan is the most effective way to reduce its CO2 footprint and costs. Here’s how:
- Reuse unused devices within your IT inventory.
- Prioritize repairs over replacements.
Second step: adopt best usage practices
- Turn off devices at night or during extended periods of inactivity.
- Perform regular updates to maintain performance.
- Identify periods of underuse to optimize resources.
Disposing of devices responsibly
Understanding e-waste
Electronic waste (e-waste) is a major environmental concern. Best practices include:
- Using designated bins or collection points.
- Sending end-of-life devices to certified third parties for recycling.
The risks of poor management
- Overexploitation of natural resources.
- Soil pollution and depletion of rare metals.
- The proliferation of illegal dumps and conflicts over raw materials.
Best practices before purchasing new devices
- Opt for refurbished devices or rentals.
- Choose models with longer lifespans and lower environmental impacts.
- Align the number of devices with the actual needs of your team.
- Consider strategies like BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) to minimize the number of required devices.
Replacing devices is inevitable, but it can be done responsibly and thoughtfully. Renting, repairing, or adopting practices like BYOD are all viable options. At Sopht, we help you simulate and optimize these actions for reduced impact and sustainable device management.
Contact us to learn more!
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What does end-of-life mean for a device?
The end-of-life of a device doesn’t only refer to its daily use. It is part of a complete lifecycle that includes its manufacturing, usage, and recycling or disposal. Understanding this lifecycle is key to minimizing its environmental impact. At Sopht, we help businesses map and reduce the environmental footprint of their devices by modeling concrete actions for a more sustainable future.
The concept of a lifecycle
Every device undergoes several lifecycle stages:
- Manufacturing: The extraction of raw materials and production processes are highly resource- and energy-intensive.
- Usage: While the most visible stage, its impact is moderate compared to manufacturing.
- End-of-life: Responsible management at this stage is essential to avoid electronic waste (e-waste) and promote recycling.
Why should companies get involved?
Corporate environmental goals (e.g., through the GHG Protocol, specifically Capital Goods) include IT equipment. Mapping the impact of devices over time allows businesses to prioritize effective actions. Sopht provides tailored solutions to support these initiatives.
Extending the lifespan of devices
First step: lengthen device lifespan
Extending a device’s lifespan is the most effective way to reduce its CO2 footprint and costs. Here’s how:
- Reuse unused devices within your IT inventory.
- Prioritize repairs over replacements.
Second step: adopt best usage practices
- Turn off devices at night or during extended periods of inactivity.
- Perform regular updates to maintain performance.
- Identify periods of underuse to optimize resources.
Disposing of devices responsibly
Understanding e-waste
Electronic waste (e-waste) is a major environmental concern. Best practices include:
- Using designated bins or collection points.
- Sending end-of-life devices to certified third parties for recycling.
The risks of poor management
- Overexploitation of natural resources.
- Soil pollution and depletion of rare metals.
- The proliferation of illegal dumps and conflicts over raw materials.
Best practices before purchasing new devices
- Opt for refurbished devices or rentals.
- Choose models with longer lifespans and lower environmental impacts.
- Align the number of devices with the actual needs of your team.
- Consider strategies like BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) to minimize the number of required devices.
Replacing devices is inevitable, but it can be done responsibly and thoughtfully. Renting, repairing, or adopting practices like BYOD are all viable options. At Sopht, we help you simulate and optimize these actions for reduced impact and sustainable device management.
Contact us to learn more!
