Sustainable IT hardware exchange: This is how AfB protects the environment!

Sustainable IT hardware exchange: This is how AfB protects the environment!

Something positive is currently happening in Cologne's IT landscape: AfB social & green IT and EY have joined forces to push the circular economy in IT a little further. As part of a comprehensive hardware exchange, AfB took over around 13,700 notebooks and various peripheral devices from EY in Germany in 2023. The goal? Reprocess these devices and make them usable again for private use and in the educational sector. Recycling Portal reports that this initiative not only conserves valuable raw materials, but also avoids a lot of electronic waste.

The numbers speak volumes: an estimated 90 percent of the notebooks taken over are in a condition that allows for reprocessing. This means that remarkable savings can be recorded in AfB's balance sheet - up to 1,427,730 kg of CO₂-equivalent greenhouse gases, 5,518,460 kWh of primary energy and even 7,581,980 liters of water remain unused. There's something going on! And it's not just the environment that benefits: 11 jobs for people with disabilities will be secured through this hardware exchange.

Refurbished devices as a sustainable solution

The concept of refurbished devices is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Around 62 million tons of e-waste are generated worldwide every year, with only 22.3% being properly recycled. This describes the challenge we face. But thanks to companies like AfB we can counteract this. According to Besser Nachhaltig, refurbished devices are not only an environmentally friendly alternative to buying new, they also help to conserve valuable resources and significantly reduce CO₂ emissions.

An example makes this clear: Purchasing refurbished technology can save up to 81% of CO₂ emissions compared to new devices. In addition, many providers, such as Janado, offer comprehensive tests and processing processes so that the quality of the devices is also good. Purchasing refurbished devices promotes the circular economy and helps reduce our ecological footprint.

Circular economy in detail

The increasing demand for electronic devices also has its downsides: more and more devices are ending up in landfills, thus polluting our environment. The circular economy aims to keep resources in the economic cycle and minimize waste. According to Techzeitgeist, the principles of this form of economy are clear: avoidance of waste, maximum reuse and regeneration of natural systems. Through innovative designs and sustainable business models, valuable materials can be used efficiently.

The collaboration between AfB and EY shows how companies can actively contribute to solving these urgent problems. With a long-term cooperation that began in 2013, both partners are setting an example for equal opportunities and environmental awareness in their corporate strategy. Peter Görner from EY highlights the importance of innovative technologies to achieve both ecological and social goals.

In summary, this initiative not only represents a step towards sustainability, but is also a good example of how companies can take responsibility through collaboration. They have a good hand not only in terms of technology, but also in creating awareness for a better world.