Sustainable IT Solutions

Partnering for sustainable and efficient connectivity

In today's fast-paced tech world, businesses constantly upgrade their IT equipment to keep up with the latest innovations. 

While this technological evolution brings efficiency and productivity, it also leads to a growing environmental concern: electronic waste, or e-waste. Improper disposal of outdated IT equipment contributes to a staggering global issue that demands immediate attention. 

However, IT solution providers can play a crucial role in addressing this challenge, advocating for sustainable IT disposal and recycling practices that benefit both the environment and their businesses.

A Growing Problem

Ernst & Young, in a study on global e-waste, disclosed some attention-getting numbers: 

“Electronic waste is leading to a loss of at least US$57 billion annually through the disposal of key raw materials, such as iron, copper, gold and others,” the consulting firm wrote, noting that a circular business model may be the best way to attacking the issue. “Adopting circular models can help companies access untapped opportunities and lower environmental impact to address critical e-waste challenges.”

A circular business model in the context of e-waste recycling is an approach that aims to keep products, materials and resources in use for as long as possible to maximize their value and minimize waste. Instead of following the traditional linear "take-make-dispose" model, a circular economy model focuses on designing products and systems that promote reusability, refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling. 

Closing The Loop

The goal is to create a closed-loop system where products and materials are continually cycled through the economy, reducing the need for extracting new raw materials and minimizing environmental impacts.

Schneider Electric has already started working with solution providers and their customers to address that opportunity. Its UPS Lifecyle program provides two options based on the customer need. Offer one is a “rip, replace, and recycle” approach that includes the installation of a new APC UPS on site, with removal and disposal of the old UPS to an R2-certified facility. Such a solution is a perfect complement to a sustainable IT strategy.  Offer two is a “return and recycle” program that provides coordination of shipping of the replaced UPS for responsible disposal at a R2-certified facility. 

Apart from the obvious environmental benefits, promoting sustainable IT disposal practices offers several advantages for businesses, including cost savings, positive brand image and compliance and regulations. IT asset trade-in, upon the end of equipment’s or a device’s lifecycle, could be a strong enough benefit on its own to provide ample return to a customer. 

For more information on Schneider Electric’s approach to e-waste with solution providers, you can visit https://www.se.com/us/en/partners/technology-partners/ to sign up for the company’s partner program.