Increasingly, organisations are starting to embed sustainability into their working practices. But what sustainable actions can you take as an IT buyer that will make a direct impact?
The answer is to adopt the principles of circular IT: repairing, recycling, refurbishing, and reusing IT equipment to cut waste and reduce environmental harm. The concept is gaining traction fast, with organisations large and small realising that you don’t have to buy new every time and that what you do with your old kit matters.
Why should you care about e-waste?
Our collective failure to refurbish and recycle is poisoning people and the planet and contributing to climate change.
Poisoning people and the planet
The World Health Organisation reports that e-waste contains over 1,000 harmful substances, including mercury, lead, silicon, brominated flame retardants and polyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
This is a particular problem because - despite an export ban - most of the waste ends up in some of the world’s poorest countries, turning villages into e-dumps where recycling activities are largely unregulated. And as local businesses set out to recover gold, copper and other valuable materials from the waste, people working on or living near the recycling sites are suffering and dying. Respiratory diseases such as silicosis, tuberculosis, bronchitis, and lung cancer are becoming routine.
A significant proportion of the workforce is under 18, making them especially vulnerable. Children exposed to e-waste toxins suffer higher rates of neurological, respiratory, and thyroid damage and have an increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease later in life.
On top of this, whenever raw materials leach from e-waste, toxic substances contaminate soil, pollute water sources, and enter the food chain.
The Basel Action Network estimate that 1.3 million tonnes of undocumented e-waste is being exported from the EU and UK every year, and that the UK is one of the worst offenders.
Contributing to Climate Change
The less we recycle, the more raw materials we need to mine, refine and manufacture – with the electronics industry using vast amounts of energy globally.
It takes about 400 gallons of water to make one computer. These water requirements have a lot to do with the components, every chip inside the computer needs to be rinsed more than 30 times.
To illustrate the problem, Lancaster University has estimated that 31 million laptops are currently being hoarded in the UK. Recycling these to use in place of new machines would save 980,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions - the equivalent of taking 458,000 cars off the road.
Business drivers for sustainability initiatives
In recent research, we found that the biggest drivers for implementing environmental initiatives were ethical beliefs (53%), and cost benefits (41%): it’s becoming increasingly clear that you don’t have to choose between the cheapest option and the sustainable option. Even in the short term, the sustainable option is often the most cost-effective.
Pressure from society, customers or other stakeholders is also important, as 35%: people want to work for and buy from businesses that take sustainability seriously.
In addition, the UK government’s Net Zero 2050 strategy is acting as a catalyst, with 75% of managers surveyed saying their organisation supported the initiative. It’s simply no longer acceptable for organisations to say carbon emissions are someone else’s problem.
Easy Sustainability Wins
The most effective path to sustainability is simply to use less. So, if you are responsible for IT kit, what can you do today to cut back on resource usage?
Consider buying refurbished
Today’s professionally refurbished laptops and PCs can provide power, functionality and reliability that equals new.
Our survey shows that the majority of organisations are already reaping the benefits, with three out of five respondents saying their organisation bought refurbished hardware. Interestingly, larger companies (100+ employees) are more likely to buy refurbished as part of the mix than smaller companies, who are more likely to only buy new.
Whilst a refurbished machine may not be suitable for every use, there’s a good chance refurbished kit could provide a substantial proportion of your routine needs. Review any policies that say you must always buy new equipment; query any purchasing specifications that restrict you to specific manufacturers and may limit your options to buy refurbished.
Upgrade components
Upgrades and repairs can be an effective way to prolong the useful life of a laptop or PC. Add more memory to allow more programs to run in RAM and to speed up a slow computer. Keeping the existing case but replacing the motherboard, processor and memory can achieve more power (you can buy packs containing all the relevant compatible components).
To extend storage space, another hard disk can be added – for lower energy use, install a single, larger hard disk rather than a second smaller disk.
Buy only the machines you need
Most office users don’t need high end processing power. Make sure you’re not buying high spec kit unnecessarily.
Keep good records of the specifications of each of your machines so you can swap equipment around between users, keeping the more powerful and energy-hungry machines for those who need them. When you get requests for new devices, check carefully what the device will be used for, and buy the lowest specification that will do the job.
Donate to Schools or Charities
Schools and charities often welcome kit that’s still functional even if it’s not performing as well as it once did. You will need, of course, to be sure all data is erased first; if you don’t have the expertise to do the security work in-house, find a cyber-essentials accredited contractor.
Did you know? Stone wipes equipment to the same high standard as the MOD, using industryleading data erasure software, Blancco. This ensures that all data is disposed of correctly and securely, in accordance with GDPR regulations and to protect business’ confidential information.
Check what is happening to the machines you dispose of
Make sure that whoever collects your old kit can guarantee that zero waste will be sent to landfill. Look for a WEEE-accredited IT asset disposal (ITAD) facility providing a full report showing your unwanted equipment has been disposed of responsibly (and all data securely wiped).
Get paid for your old kit
If you’re paying for all kit to be collected, irrespective of age or quality, that’s often a clue the kit isn’t being recycled or refurbished by the people who collected it but going on to a third party broker unable to vouch for where it goes or how much of it is recycled. Look instead for organisations prepared to pay you for the old machines – typically in the form of money off new or refurbished equipment purchases.
At Stone we offer 'fair market value' for items that can be refurbished meaning it really does pay to look after your equipment as it means you can secure the best price further down the line when it goes for collection. Another added bonus of recycling with Stone is that for every collection we plant a tree in partnership with the National Forest and Ecologi.
Go for items with longer warranties
Manufacturers confident in the reliability of their products tend to offer longer warranties; the longer the lifespan of any machine, the more sustainable it is.
Re-use monitors and cables
Consider whether you really need new monitors and cables before you buy. Monitors typically last much longer than the computer unit itself, so there’s no need to scrap them at the same time. If staff are increasingly asking for multiple monitors, screens from your redundant PCs could help you meet demand. By keeping options for cables and connections you can get systems talking even if you don’t have the current port.
Identify unused equipment
Even in normal times, IT waste proliferates fast. With recent upgrades to support remote working, a vast number of machines have become redundant and are now gathering dust. In a recent survey of employees, we found that in the previous 12 months, 65% had had at least one piece of new technology from their company and 39% admit there is IT equipment in their workplace that has gone unused since the first lockdown.
On top of this, it’s common to keep old devices for spares – but how often do those parts ever get re-used? Could you remove the components you might re-use and get rid of the rest? Collect up everything no longer needed and arrange for disposal through an ITAD (IT Asset Disposal) facility.
Refurbished IT - why buy it?
Choosing a professionally refurbished machine over new is both eco-friendly and costeffective. And despite misconceptions, professionally refurbished devices operate just as well as brand new kit – and often look as good, too. Many of the machines on the market are grade A or grade B, which means they have either no noticeable marks or scratches or just very minor marks on the casing – the screen will be completely damage-free. At Stone we also offer a 1 year warranty on all our devices to give you complete peace of mind.
Sustainability
Every refurbished laptop or desktop you buy is a new computer that doesn’t have to be made. By buying used, you’re extending the useful life of the IT equipment, reducing demand for resources and minimising the environmental damage caused by manufacturing and distribution. On top of this, your refurbished device is reusing components that could be toxic to the environment and people if sent to landfill or to an illegal dumping ground overseas.
Value
A refurbished device will cost substantially less than new. You can add flexibility to your budget (many buyers find they can deploy higher spec equipment than they could afford if they were to buy all new). And you’re not paying top price for items that will depreciate from day one.
Functionality
A refurbished machine will be able to offer all the everyday functions, applications and programmes most users need. A good refurbisher will set up machines to your specification –with new operating systems installed and all previous data removed it’s certainly not a case of just buying off the shelf. Even if you’re looking for something more specialist, it may be easier to find than you think.
Power, performance and reliablity
Many refurbished computers and laptops are former lease equipment retired after only a couple of years use. Others are items returned because a buyer changed their mind, because of cosmetic damage, or because of a fault. Once wiped and reconditioned (and repaired if necessary), machines are competitive with new devices in terms of reliability and efficiency. Choose your supplier well, and you’ll also get the same level of support and warranties as with new kit.
Complete IT estate update
The refurb market works for both ad hoc needs and complete IT estate updates. Larger refurbishment firms now operate at scale, and can fulfil orders of several hundred or more units at a time.
Customer Case Studies
Chesterfield College Group
Organisation
Large multi-site college group with over 10,000 students.
Manager leading project
Martin Day, Head of IT, responsible with his team of 13 staff for the smooth running of thousands of desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and teaching and learning systems.
Problem
With budget cuts restricting spending, Martin and his team were struggling to manage out- of-date equipment that was no longer fit for purpose. Devices were slow and unreliable, with a high failure rate, users were frustrated, and technicians spent far too much time trying to repair kit already past its expected lifespan.
Solution
Martin eventually discovered the Stone Refurb Premium range of refurbished IT equipment. To start with, he was sceptical about the standard of the kit on offer, and took just a small number of devices to trial. His reservations rapidly disappeared once the machines were on site and in use, and he decided to ask Stone to replace all the college’s end-of-life devices. The core requirement was for good all-rounders without software that the IT team could use as a blank sheet. Stone put the order together to meet Martin’s specifications, delivering in batches of several hundred (to fit in with college holidays). The College Group also bought some brand new machines from Stone for where they needed a higher specification.
Outcome
As they started to work on their refurbished machines, users quickly noticed the difference. 20 minute start times were a thing of the past, for example, with one minute the new norm. Free from the distraction of routine hardware problems, both users and technicians can now spend their time more productively. A further benefit has been that as an MS Gold partner, Stone was able to take away all the hassle of licensing negotiations – and obtain cheaper licences at the same time. On top of this, the approach is workingg wonders for the group’s environmental credentials.
“The Stone Approved kit has not only solved the dilemma of how to replace our aging IT fleet with fast, reliable and responsive PC's, but has done so at half the price of a new machine, and so is within our budget.”
Martin Day Senior Manager for Technical Delivery at Chesterfield College GroupDurham University
Organisation
UK top 10 university, with 4,000 staff and 18,000 students.
Manager leading project
Peter Chrichard, Senior Manager for Technical Delivery.
Problem
When the coronavirus lockdown was announced, the university needed to get kit to staff based across all areas of the UK and beyond. Despite buying 1,500 new items from Stone (already a contracted supplier), it was still far short of the number of devices required.
Solution
Peter made the decision that, rather than buying thousands more additional laptops, the most sensible approach would be to get existing machines refurbished and made suitable for the demands of remote users. He was already using Stone to take care of IT asset disposal (ITAD) requirements, and knew that they had a substantial recycling and refurbishment capability. When he approached Stone’s dedicated higher education team, they were keen to help, and quickly organised a collection, refurbishment, and distribution plan.
Outcome
In just two weeks, Stone’s engineers sanitised, reviewed, refurbished and prepped between 5,000 and 6,000 machines. As part of the project, the Stone team also handled imaging, printed out instructions for staff, and sent out around 2,000 individual deliveries (at no extra cost). The arrangement included peripherals, ensuring people had everything they needed for home working. With all users receiving refurbished devices to use at home, the university was able to minimise work disruption and keep people connected.
“The amount of extra work Stone has done has been remarkable. Stone’s on-site engineers are worth their weight in gold.”
Peter Chrichard, Senior Manager for Technical Delivery at Durham UniversityEVO Group
Organisation
The Evo group of companies is one of the UK and Ireland’s largest specialist multi-channel business supplies and service distributors.
Manager leading project
Paul Cruse Morrell, Desktop Service Manager.
Problem
With Windows 7 end-of-support date fast approaching, Paul wanted to migrate to Windows 10 and at the same time refresh the group’s aging estate with more modern devices. He needed over 700 machines with similar features and functionality to the devices being replaced. With substantial capital expenditure involved, value for money was critical.
Solution
Evo had sourced much of its existing kit from Stone as refurbished Stone Approved units back in 2014, during migration from Windows XP to Windows 7. The cost had been around a third of the price of buying the equivalent new machines. Both Paul and Evo users had been impressed with the quality and performance of the machines over the years, and Paul decided to approach his dedicated account manager at Stone with the new request. Existing machines refurbished and made suitable for the demands of remote users. He was already using Stone to take care of IT asset disposal (ITAD) requirements, and knew that they had a substantial recycling and refurbishment capability.
Impressed with the quality and performance of the Stone Approved kit previously purchased, Paul chose to utilise Stones professionally refurbished hardware offering once more. Paul was keen to implement devices with similar features and functionality to the kit in their current estate, and Stone helped find the most appropriate devices.
In addition to providing EVO with refurbished hardware at a cost-effective price, Stone was able to take their unwanted kit off their hands as part of their 360 degree recycling service. Many of the unwanted devices will have their data securely wiped, before being professionally refurbished and upgraded at the on-site, fully-accredited recycling facility at Stone HQ.
Outcome
Stone was able to provide all the devices required in time to meet the migration deadline, as well as take away Microsoft licensing hassles. In addition, Stone collected the unwanted kit. Machines were refurbished where possible, with the remainder being securely and sustainably recycled in Stone’s dedicated ITAD facility. In return for its old machines, Evo received a cash rebate against the cost of the replacement devices, providing funds to re-invest in the business.
“As we buy refurbished machines from Stone, they are buying our old hardware to refurbish and sell on – great for both companies’ green credentials.”
Paul Cruse Morrell, Desktop Service Manager at Evo GroupHave you seen Stone's ecommerce site and the benefits it can provide to your organisation in terms of a sustainable procurement strategy?
Stone’s new e-commerce website is a one-stop shop for the full end-toend IT buying and disposal/re-use lifecycle.
With just a few clicks, you can buy both new and refurbished equipment and book collections of unwanted devices, confident that they will be refurbished or sustainably recycled. Combining ease of use for buyers with the scale and capacity of a major supplier, the site makes it simple for any IT buyer to adopt the circular IT concept.
Benefits of Stone Refurb Premium refurbished machines
Stone’s status as a Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher provides the stamp of approval that each device is professionally assessed and tested for performance, reliability, and safety, will work as well as one that’s brand new, and comes with a genuine version of Windows with certificate of authenticity (not always the case with other refurbishers). All devices come with a 1 year warranty, and extended warranties are also available.
Customisation options
Whether you’re buying new or refurbished, you can tailor each machine to your specifications. With refurbished devices, a number of upgrades are possible – choose, for example, a solidstate hard drive, increased RAM for more power, or the addition of wi-fi cards to desktop PCs.
Microsoft Gold Partner advantages
As a Microsoft Gold Partner, Stone can can supply both new and refurbished devices complete with Microsoft 365, giving you all the latest Microsoft apps, tools and security features. Licensing negotiations can all be taken care of, and discounts are often possible.
Sustainable IT kit disposal
At Stone, nothing goes to waste. Through our accredited ITAD recycling facility here in the UK, we professionally refurbish and repurpose all the devices we can, giving them a second lease of life. Some machines go to schools and charities. Any piece of equipment that is not fit for refurbishment is broken down, so that its parts can be reused or responsibly recycled rather than going to landfill as harmful e-waste.
Our zero waste commitment and dedication to sustainability has been recognised, as we are now certified by Valpak as a zero waste to landfill provider.
Cash, points and tree planting
Customers disposing of equipment through Stone’s IT recycling service can choose cash payments or points towards future orders. For every collection made, a tree will be added to the customer’s virtual woodland and a donation will be made to the National Forest for tree planting. Last year we also partnered with Ecologi which has helped take our mission global! So far we’ve contributed to numerous projects which have planted trees in Madagascar (8.8 million), Kenya (14.25 million) and Nicaragua (249,997) so far.
Scale and experience
Stone, A Converge Company is a leading IT hardware manufacturer and has been supplying both the public and private sector with both own-brand and branded equipment for over 30 years. The company is the only OEM with its own on site recycling and refurbishing facility. Accreditations include ISO 27001: Information Security Management, DIPCOG and Cyber Essentials
