Sustainable Hardware Practices

Quick sustainability win of the week: Start tracking peripheral purchases. You’d be amazed how few organisations do this! We've just wrapped up a review across five large orgs (each with 25,000+ employees). Every single one had the same approach with new starters: onboarding kits were given by default, including a keyboard, power blocks, mouse, headset, docking station, cables, bag, plus sometimes even phone cases. And in every case, 50 to 70% of that kit went unused. Straight into drawers, or binned after a year and straight to landfill. Often because the gear was cheap or the user already had better. There was nearly always also a constant churn of replacement accessories being ordered via internal "shops" with very little oversight. New chargers, random adapters, yet another headset. One organisation was spending over $5 million a year on peripherals alone. That’s $5 million in Scope 3 emissions and plastic waste that is totally invisible, unmanaged, and unnoticed. This isn't procurements fault, they are only following a plan, it’s actually more of a cultural and process issue. TBH, if we’re actually serious about doing something positive with sustainability, this kind of waste has to go. I'd personally recommend a simple approach like: 1) Ditch the onboarding kits, just ask what people actually need. 2) Track peripherals separately from core assets. 3) Introduce a reuse-before-rebuy policy (refurb stuff is awesome). 4) Audit what’s in stock before raising a new PO. Small fix. Big impact. Less plastic, less carbon, less water usage, more $$$$ saved. 😃

Don't reduce the carbon footprint of your products without understanding all the possible trade-offs. You could end up increasing your environmental impact instead. Here are 3 things to consider when designing sustainable sound experiences: ⚠ Lowest footprint ≠ Winning concept Successful circular products don’t have the lowest environmental burden by default. Modularity is considered a circular design practice, but it also contributes to increased carbon footprint and depletion of materials (mostly gold, beryllium, and neodymium). A modular product containing electronics has roughly 10% higher impact for both GWP and ADP. 🛠 UX plays a core role as much as CMF and ID Functionalities and usability have their footprint: removing a battery from earpods charging case and using the smartphone battery instead decrease hardware volume and materials footprint (-25%) . The same works for magnets: fashionable to have an earpod snapping to the charging case, until you realize that 1/3 of the overall material impact is due to neodymium. 🔄 Trade-offs are inevitable It is better to design for one core circular principle than having a concept that mediocrely covers all of them. A concept can successfully be repairable and fit a circular ecosystem, but it will hardly be repairable, modular, recyclable, refurbishable, low-carbon, low-resource, long-lasting, energy-efficient, biodegradable, compostable and fit a circular ecosystem. Sustainable design isn’t about ticking every box. It’s about making informed choices that truly minimize impact. ➡What’s your take? Which design principle would you prioritize for a truly circular product? Drop your thoughts below and let’s discuss! #sustainabledesign

AIRA: SCALING HEAT PUMPS RESPONSIBLY - A Call for Sustainable Practices The news surrounding Aira, the Swedish company aiming to become a leading heat pump installer, has sparked considerable discussion. While their ambition to rapidly scale heat pump adoption across Europe is commendable a questions arise about the sustainability of their chosen installation methods. It's no secret that manufacturing processes carry an environmental footprint. In the plumbing and heating industry, this is particularly evident in the production of pipe fittings, often forged in energy-intensive furnaces across Europe. Here in the UK, our industry has a long-standing tradition of working with materials efficiently, a practice deeply ingrained in the training of our skilled plumbers. For decades, UK apprentices have been taught the art of bending copper pipe, specifically the commonly used R250 (Table X). This allows for pipework configurations such as 90-degree bends, offsets, and passovers. Achieved using hand-held benders. Alongside this practical skill, environmental awareness and material conservation are core tenets of their training. This brings me to a critical point: why is AIRA seemingly bypassing this established and sustainable practice by exclusively relying on fittings? Reports suggest their training focuses on rapid installation, potentially at the expense of teaching pipe bending skills. While speed is undoubtedly a factor in scaling, the long-term environmental implications of this approach cannot be ignored. As AIRA aims for widespread adoption across Europe, the sheer volume of fittings they will require is staggering. This translates to a significant and potentially unnecessary carbon footprint from the increased activity in those very forges we mentioned. The plumbing and heating industry has a proud history of self-regulation and a willingness to call out unsustainable practices, a tradition dating back to the medieval Guilds. It's in this spirit that I urge AIRA to reconsider their approach and embrace the established, environmentally conscious methods prevalent in markets like the UK. Our European counterparts' ambition to scale heat pump installations is laudable. However, true sustainability lies not just in the end product, but also in the processes used to achieve it. By integrating pipe bending into their training and practices, AIRA can not only reduce their environmental impact but also cultivate a workforce equipped with valuable, time-honored skills. Let's work together to forge a future where the growth of green technologies is underpinned by genuinely sustainable practices. AIRA has the potential to be a true leader in this transition; listening and adapting to established best practices will be key to realising that potential responsibly. Michael Costain Guy Newey Dr Matthew Aylott Madeleine Gabriel Joe Dart #sustainability #heatpumps #plumbing #environmentalawareness #greenenergy #UK #Europe #skills

2030 is the target. Net-zero emissions is the goal. 🎯 Google's consumer hardware team is taking bold steps to get there - and we're sharing our Consumer Hardware Carbon Reduction guide to help others do the same :) At Google, we believe in building a more sustainable future beyond Google. That's why we've published our Consumer Hardware Carbon Reduction guide. We're excited to share how we embed carbon-aware thinking in our design and operational decisions for our consumer hardware. Our journey began in 2018 with an in-depth assessment of the Pixel 3, where we discovered that a single component - the enclosure - had a significant impact on the device's carbon footprint. This realization led us to make a bold move: switching to 100% recycled aluminum in Pixel phone enclosures, resulting in a remarkable 35% reduction in carbon footprint. Since the Pixel 6, all our Pixel phones have incorporated this sustainable material choice. This guide is a testament to our collaborative spirit, detailing our strategic and tactical efforts to embed carbon-aware thinking throughout our design and operational processes. We hope others will find this helpful, too. While it’s specifically about consumer hardware, we think it might have some broader applicability as well. 💡 We remain steadfast in our commitment to reach net-zero emissions across all operations and value chain by 2030. We believe that by working together and sharing our learnings, we can accelerate progress towards a more sustainable future for all. #NetZero #ClimateAction #CarbonAwareness #Sustainability #SustainabilityIsATeamSport #Collaboration #CarbonReduction Read more about it: https://lnkd.in/gHJSqiaq And here's the guide itself: https://lnkd.in/gmgMiwkB If you have any questions or comments, please email us at consumer_hardware_net_zero@google.com 📧

Sustainability in Information Technology: Beyond just Compliance. As CIOs, we are often asked internally and externally as to how does sustainability fit into our IT and data center strategy. For me, the answer goes far beyond compliance checklists and reporting obligations of BRSR and/or ESG. Sustainability must be embedded as a design principle - right from how we architect our applications to choice of our cloud partners, from how do we manage our data centers and the lifecycle of hardware deployed. It’s about building efficiency, resilience, and innovation into the DNA of our function. This means: - Setting measurable baselines for energy use, carbon footprint, and hardware lifecycle management. - Leveraging cloud providers with strong renewable commitments and right-sizing workloads. - Driving efficiency in data centers - through required virtualization, next-gen cooling, and renewable sourcing of energy. - Embedding “green coding” and sustainable procurement into our IT governance. - Using digital tools like IoT, AI, and analytics to enable the enterprise to meet its ESG goals. When IT shifts from being just a consumer of sustainability to a creator of sustainable value, we unlock business impact that lasts. For us CIOs, the real question is not “Are we compliant?” but “Are we future-ready, responsible, and driving meaningful change?” Would like to hear your feedback. 🙂

Can physical innovation scale fast enough to meet our 2040 climate goals? This edition of the Hardware to Save a Planet Newsletter, features conversations with 11 climate hardware founders who are turning bold ideas into real-world impact, right now in 2025. From Allan Adams at Aquatic Labs making ocean carbon removal measurable, to Scott Mercer at Focused Energy bringing fusion down to earth, to Luke Iseman at Make Sunsets cooling the planet from the stratosphere. These aren't future promises. They're deploying solutions today. We explore how Curtis VanWalleghem at Hydrostor evolved underground energy storage from pilot to commercial scale, how Cole Ashman at Pila Energy democratizes home battery systems, and how Greg Williams at Sublime Systems is reinventing cement to be both cleaner and stronger. Jason Chua at Range Energy electrifies trailers instead of replacing entire truck fleets, while Nehali Jain at Antora Energy stores renewable electricity as glowing hot carbon blocks. Randol Aikin, PhD at Remedy Scientific Inc. standardizes land decontamination, Ross Bonner at Transaera, Inc. simplifies building cooling systems, and Johanna Wolfson at Azolla Ventures provides the catalytic capital that makes it all possible. The Hardware to Save a Planet newsletter is where we dive deep into the climate hardware solutions shaping our energy future, straight from the innovators who are turning bold ideas into reality. 🔗 Subscribe below to join the conversation on real-world climate solutions! 👇

Sustainability meets innovation! Have you ever thought printers could drive the green revolution? As part of the Singapore Management University's corporate green visit during this week, I had the opportunity to explore Epson's office - and walked away with a fresh perspective on sustainable tech. Most of us see printers as paper-wasting, energy-hungry machines. But what I discovered shattered this stereotype. 🟠 Heat-Free Printing Technology: ▪️85% less power consumption ▪️72% less waste ▪️No harmful toner dust ▪️Zero heat required for operations 🔴 But the real game-changer? Epson's PaperLab. Imagine turning used paper into fresh sheets.. without a single drop of water. With dry fiber technology, PaperLab: ✅ Breaks down used paper ✅ Produces new sheets on demand ✅ Customizes paper thickness ✅ Ensures document security ✅ Saves office space The impact? ➡️ 50% less paper usage ➡️ 84% fewer consumables ➡️ Hardware made with 30% recycled plastics Think about this: In Asian offices, printers consume 10% of total electricity. It might seem small - until you scale that across thousands of offices for years. The environmental and financial footprint is staggering. ✳ My biggest takeaway? Sustainable tech isn't just about saving the planet - it's a smart business decision that benefits everyone. #Sustainability #SustainableTech #Greeninnovation #FutureOfWork #CircularEconomy #BrandBuilderTalents My name is Jeff Loo, and I am on a career transition to embrace a new chapter of growth and skills development. Join me as I share insights and chart a purposeful path toward in my journey. 😀 What sustainable tech innovations have impressed you recently? Let's exchange information below! Special thanks to Kelvin, Shaun Van and Kervyn Koh for the warm welcome and excellent insights shared! 😃

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 Manufacturing is no longer just about efficiency—it’s about responsible value creation. As industries transition to Industry 4.0, sustainability is becoming a key driver, not just a byproduct. The fusion of smart technologies and sustainable practices is shaping a new era of intelligent, eco-conscious production. 𝟭. 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲: AI: Optimizes processes, reduces waste, and predicts environmental impacts. IoT: Enables real-time monitoring of resource consumption and emissions. Blockchain: Ensures transparency and traceability in supply chains 𝟮. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: Smart Factories: Utilize automation and data analysis to minimize environmental footprint. Digital Supply Networks: Optimize logistics, reduce transportation, and enhance resource efficiency. Smart Customers: Demand sustainable products and hold businesses accountable. Smart Shareholders: Invest in companies committed to environmental and social responsibility. 𝟯. 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: Virtualization & Digital Twins: Simulate and optimize processes before implementation, reducing waste and energy consumption. Vertical & Horizontal Integration: Streamline operations and improve resource utilization across the value chain. Real-time Capability: Enables rapid response to disruptions and optimizes resource allocation. Decentralization: Empowers local decision-making for greater agility and responsiveness to sustainability challenges. Interoperability: Facilitates seamless data exchange and collaboration among stakeholders for a unified sustainability strategy. Technical Assistance: Provides support for implementing and optimizing sustainable technologies and practices. By embracing these components and principles, businesses can achieve: Reduced emissions and resource consumption: Leading to a smaller environmental footprint. Improved efficiency and productivity: Lowering costs and increasing competitiveness. Enhanced brand reputation and customer loyalty: Attracting environmentally conscious consumers. New employment opportunities: In the growing field of sustainable manufacturing. Industry 4.0 empowers businesses to create a more sustainable and prosperous future. Ref: https://lnkd.in/d7pweY8Y

How do you create sustainable IoT products? 🌎 I've been talking a lot about the enormous importance and opportunity that PMs have to build solutions to address the energy transition. These solutions would help companies, governments, utilities, etc., move away from burning fossil fuels. But what about the carbon footprint of your solution? Lately, you probably have read about the stress AI puts on the grid and utilities to produce enough electricity to feed the AI monster. So, as you build your next product (AI or not), it is crucial to consider how to make it as sustainable as possible. In this article, I introduce several considerations to build sustainable IoT solutions. These insights also apply to software-only solutions, so if that's your case, you can skip the hardware parts. 😀 In this article, I discuss: ➝ Background – Why Incorporate Sustainability into Your IoT Product ➝ Making the Case to Executives – Sustainability is Good for Business ➝ Setting Your Sustainability Targets ➝ A Structured Approach to Sustainable IoT Products - Defining your baseline - Identifying opportunities for your IoT product - Balancing decisions with the rest of your product strategy - Creating a Plan of Action Link in the comments. Let me know what you think! #energytransition #b2b #iot #productmanagement

💻 What happens to your old phone or laptop when you throw it away? Most people don’t realize that their old electronics don’t just disappear—they become part of the 62 million tonnes of e-waste we generate each year. And the worst part? Less than a quarter is properly recycled. E-waste is a growing problem, but it’s also a huge opportunity for sustainability and smart energy solutions. Many discarded devices contain valuable materials like gold, silver, and lithium, yet only 22.3% of e-waste is properly collected and recycled. The rest? It ends up in landfills or is improperly disposed of, leading to toxic pollution. 🔋 Why does this matter for solar and renewables? 1️⃣ Battery Recycling: As solar battery storage grows, we need better ways to recycle lithium-ion batteries to prevent toxic waste and resource depletion. 2️⃣ Circular Economy: The same principles of repurposing solar panels can apply to electronics. What if businesses and homeowners reused or resold old solar tech instead of trashing it? 3️⃣ Green Business Practices: Companies shifting to solar should also rethink their approach to old IT equipment. Sustainable energy and responsible tech disposal go hand in hand. If you're upgrading your tech (or your energy system), don’t just throw the old one away. Check out e-waste recycling programs, donate functional devices, or repurpose materials. Let’s build a cleaner future—one recycled circuit board at a time. 🌍♻️ 🔄 How does your company handle e-waste? Drop a comment below!