Click and equip yourself lightly

The purchase of digital equipment represents 63% of the greenhouse gas emissions of the digital sector. The most effective action is to question all new equipment purchases.

The purchase of digital equipment accounts for 63% of greenhouse gas emissions from the digital sector.

One of the reasons for this is the use of rare metals that are not easily recyclable. The manufacture of a 2 kg computer, for example, requires 600 kg of raw materials and generates 103 kg of CO2, out of the 156 kg emitted over its entire life cycle.

The impact on health is also considerable: water, soil and air pollution, which increases the frequency of certain diseases.

The most effective action is therefore to reduce the production of new equipment and to question any planned purchase. 

Is this purchase really necessary?

It is generally more interesting to update equipment that is still functional than to replace it.

Is it possible to use existing equipment in the department?

An example: when the capacities of a computer are no longer sufficient for certain heavy tasks, this computer can in some cases be reused for other tasks that require less power.

Is it possible to share equipment?

In some cases it is possible to share existing hardware or to design the purchase with this in mind (such as networked printers, for example, or large computing servers).

Is the power of the desired equipment really adapted to the needs?

In a responsible approach, it is important to avoid "over-sizing". The SEGI and the Decentralised IT Unit (UDI) are at your disposal to advise you in your equipment choices.

When the need and relevance of purchasing new equipment are established, it is advisable to opt for the most responsible equipment possible (labels, recyclable toners, etc.), in compliance with the public contracts established by the institution. If your specific needs are not met by a public market, it is possible to consider a second-hand purchase, in consultation with your executive secretary/purchasing manager and the person in charge of your UDI.