Atos Sustainable Workplace research finds device lifespan can double while still delighting users

In This Article:

Atos International
Atos International

Press Release

Atos Sustainable Workplace research finds device lifespan can double while still delighting users

Research unveils data-driven, condition-based device refresh approach, supported by remanufacturing, can achieve an 8-10 year lifespan versus a standard 3-5 year device lifespan on a fixed refresh cycle without compromising user experience

Research also demonstrates employees’ engagement: 75% are happy to keep their device for longer if they understand the environmental benefits of doing so

Paris, France – November 4, 2024 – Atos today releases its research on digital workplace sustainability, providing valuable insights to help organizations enhance their IT decision-making and corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies. The report, “Increasing digital workplace sustainability: Data-driven strategy to accelerate progress together,” highlights high levels of waste endemic across the IT industry and also identifies a series of actions all can take to turn this around.

Since 79% of a laptop's carbon footprint is produced during manufacturing, with each new device creating roughly 338kg CO2eq of carbon before use, life cycle extension can have a huge impact. The report initially points out that device lifecycles can be extended without compromising user satisfaction. For instance, by doing nothing but adjusting the standard refresh cycle from three to four years, enterprises can gain a 25% reduction in related emissions without downgrading device performance or user experience. Further, data-driven, condition-based device refresh combined with remanufacturing can achieve an 8-10 year lifespan.

Atos research reveals that 76% of large organizations' laptops can be remanufactured. The remaining 24% of devices could be refurbished or recycled to contribute to the circular economy.

Atos’ study showcases the key role employees could play in IT sustainability. 75% of employees indicated they would be willing to keep their devices longer if they were aware of the environmental benefits. Nonetheless, 16% of devices are left running continuously without being turned off, emphasizing the need for better employee awareness on energy-saving practices. Additionally, carbon intensity can fluctuate up to 2.3 times during the day, indicating that informing users about the best times to use the electrical grid and switching to battery power could improve energy efficiency.

Data indicate that 57% of the ICT sector's carbon emissions originate from devices and workplace environments. Atos, as a global leader in digital workplace, was able to analyze 28.5 million devices used by medium to large organizations, with the help of its partners Nexthink, Tier1 and Circular Computing, to offer crucial recommendations for boosting IT sustainability.