DURABILIT Greener Network Calculator - reducing carbon emissions
Reducing carbon emissions by re-using IT hardware.
DURABILIT BV, a leading supplier of refurbished network hardware has developed a methodology which enables companies to get a clear insight into how much CO2 emissions are reduced when deploying used hardware rather than new. The DURABILIT Greener Network Calculator, was developed in cooperation with Prof. Dr. Ir. Krikke, Supply Chain Management at the Open University, the Netherlands.
Mathieu Sueters, managing director of DURABILIT: “Companies want more insight into the carbon footprint of products, but struggle to quantify this. They tend to have a limited scope in making these calculations since they often omit the impact of the complete supply chain. Therefore we have developed the worldwide unique DURABILIT Greener Network Calculator, a CO2 calculator which shows the amount of CO2 kg reduced by buying refurbished switches instead of new and helps to raise awareness.”
Recent research shows that a closed loop supply chain can reduce emission by 50% compared to a traditional forward supply chain without refurbishment. The effect on the carbon footprint of the total life cycle depends on the type of product. For switches and routers, the total carbon emissions are roughly evenly divided between production and usage phase. Since Green IT currently mainly focuses on reduction of energy usage or the use of alternative energy resources, the relative carbon emissions of the supply chain becomes even higher. However, discussions with decision makers have shown that this awareness seems to be lacking.
The re-use of network equipment not only enables companies to significantly reduce their carbon footprint, but also prolongs the lifespan of the equipment, thereby reducing waste and recycling activities. Even though hardware such as routers and switches are ever-present in our daily lives, their relative invisible role often makes them overlooked. DURABILIT, based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, is committed to increase the awareness of companies of this effective and immediate way to reduce their carbon footprint significantly. DURABILIT’s initiative supports the Kyoto Protocol and the Europe 2020 agenda.
About DURABILIT
DURABILIT is an independent company which focuses on supplying sustainable and cost-effective IT network solutions. DURABILIT offers IT Asset Management Services and provides network hardware such as refurbished / used Cisco, used Juniper, used HP and other brands.
