OLD IS THE NEW ‘NEW’: TECH’S SUSTAINABLE CIRCLE

The evolution of the way we live and work has historically been defined by two things: technological advancement and the changing wants and needs of the next generation. In 2023, these two things have never been more inextricably linked, with technology being used by Gen Z and Millennials to disrupt industries to align with their values, and top among these is sustainability.

Consumers demonstrate a desire to be more ecoconscious in their consumer purchases and increasingly invest in products that are built to last. For example, last year in the UK, 38% of consumers opted for durable, sustainable products from trusted brands.

Sustainable purchasing is becoming crucial for businesses as millennials take on IT buying roles and Gen Z begins their careers. We observe this trend through carbon-reducing initiatives and a growing acceptance of refurbished and recycled technology devices. One pressing concern is electronic waste (e-waste), which poses a significant challenge to both businesses and the environment.

To put it in perspective, this amount of e-waste could fill 263 Olympic swimming pools each year. Addressing this issue is vital to protect our ecosystems and promote a healthier, more sustainable future.

So how can businesses make the most out of their existing IT estate, and buy their technology sustainably?

BUILDING NEW: SUSTAINABLE SOURCING AND EFFICIENT DESIGN

Many new devices are built with greater energy and resource efficiency as central to their design. At Dell, we have set a goal that by 2030, over half of our product content will be made from recycled or renewable materials, and we are exploring several novel and innovative approaches to replacing plastic in our products, for example the use of bioplastics and biobased rubber.

New devices are now built with sustainability in mind, incorporating post-consumer recycled materials to create our most environmentally friendly products. Notably, our latest commercial devices, such as select Latitude laptop series, Precision 3000 workstations, and commercial monitors, embrace this approach.

Furthermore, we prioritize energy efficiency in product design, aiming to reduce scope 3 emissions by 30% by 2030, reflecting our commitment to sustainability.

BUILDING THE FUTURE: NEW CONCEPTS FOR A CHANGING WORLD

In recent years we have seen exciting advancements in technology recycling and refurbishment.

Dell's Concept Luna showcases the potential future of sustainable PC design, integrating intelligent telemetry and robotic automation. The vision presented by projects like Concept Luna imagines computer components being re-utilized for multiple lifecycles in next-generation devices, significantly reducing e-waste and minimizing the demand for new raw materials.

The way employees use their technology varies, which means not all components reach end-of-life at the same time. People working from home, for example, may use external components, such as keyboards and monitors. The laptop’s keyboard and monitor have, therefore, barely been used, even when the motherboard is ready to be replaced. Rather than replace or recycle the entire device, the usable components can be repurposed into another laptop. This is one of the visions Dell has for the future of sustainability PC design.

And, while Luna is currently still a ‘concept,’ it demonstrates the positive change being driven, not only by consumer demand, but by innovative designers and passionate sustainability advocates in our industry who see the potential for greater sustainability realized in their work.

In the quest for a more sustainable future, combining technology and urban development has paved the way for Smart Cities. These innovative cities leverage advanced solutions to optimize resources, enhance efficiency, and create harmonious living environments. A key component of this transformative journey is video technology, which is a powerful tool that helps empower sustainable development in Smart Cities. While organizing urban life has always posed significant challenges, from logistical and environmental to social aspects, today's answer lies in the Smart City concept, where new technologies make a remarkable difference.

With the UAE’s vision of becoming a technology-driven country and introducing multiple new initiatives, embracing modern development and leveraging technology for the better is important.

According to research, the video surveillance market in the UAE is anticipated to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4.35% from 2023 to 2028. As urbanization accelerates and population density rises rapidly, ensuring, for example, public safety and security have become a pressing concern for UAE government bodies and law enforcement agencies. This growing awareness of security challenges has increased the demand for robust video technology solutions to mitigate potential risks.

By harnessing the capabilities of video technology, cities can monitor and manage their resources, enhance safety and security, and foster a greater sense of community. With its potential to revolutionize urban landscapes and drive positive change, video technology emerges as a key enabler in building the cities of tomorrow, where sustainability and progress coexist hand in hand.

However, leveraging video technology in urban spaces must adhere to the ethical demands of citizens. Striking a balance between commercial objectives and responsible use of technology is vital for the success of modern companies.

Preserving Privacy

The datafication of urban spaces