The society
Between 2001 and 2005 the cooperation project “Reuse-Computer” was carried out by diverse partners coordinated by the kubus science shop. It was funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research, with the goal of sustainable strategies for the (re-)use of IT equipment. In all, 17 project partners participated in the project and up to 27 companies were involved. The ReUse-Computer Society aims to make a contribution towards protecting the environment and conserving resources, and towards sustainable development of the economy, by promoting the re-use and the further use of used computer and IT equipment. The goal of the society is to make it possible for the general public to use high-quality used computers and IT-technology at affordable prices and at the same time to promote the ReUse idea. Anybody who agrees with the Re-Use ideas can support the ReUse-Computer Society by becoming a member - private individuals and companies, public administrations, or social institutions, or you. The ReUse-Computer association is self organized and decentralised. The majority of network participants are specialist computer companies, and in view of their specific size we refer to these as micro-companies. Other participants include a publicly oriented environmental research institute (UfU e.V.), university research institutes (Fraunhofer IZM, TU Berlin), NGOs (Local Agenda 21 Treptow-Köpenick) and artists (Experience Art!). The key result of our project, however, is that we have indeed managed to establish a regionally-focused, decentralised network of companies (see below) for sustainability in computer technology: ReUse-Computer.
The production of computers places an enormous burden on the environment – and
one which is growing despite all increases in efficiency.
- About 160 million PCs were sold globally in 2004.
- The manufacturing of one PC spends about 535 kWh of energy *
- For producing the microchips of one PC about 550 l of water are used/wasted *
- 14 tons of material is required to produce one PC, which is often only used for three years.
- The manufacturing and transport of one PC cause 112 kg CO2-emission *
*for a Pentium III, 1999
In Germany, at least 200,000 tonnes of electronic waste are generated annually.
Alterations to the consumer strategies of use and attractive offers could result in a reduction in the burden on the environment, along with the conservation of resources the development of sustainable strategies of use in the computer sector.
The reuse of computer hardware can contribute to reducing greenhouse-gas emission.
“Because a substantial share of the total energy input emerging during the physical lifespan of a product is bound irrecoverably in its substance, [different] forms of care, maintenance, intensification and extension of use should mostly be preferred instead to substitute old hardware by new.” Niko Paech
The reuse approach is transferable to other regions, branches or products, e.g. ReUseVelo referring (re)used bicycles.
In the IT-sector a lot of money can be saved if appropriate hardware is used for each specific task. For many standard applications, the new equipment that is on offer will be over dimensioned. This is an interesting fact for private users, organisations, public administrations etc. With tested quality products from ReUse-Computer, tried and tested hardware can be put to good use again at a reasonable price.
Additional savings are possible by combining ReUse hardware with licence-free software. If sustainable products are considered, then despite the need for savings it is still possible to make those necessary investments.
Less is more - Does an office computer have to run with the latest 3 Ghz chip from Intel P4, or a 3.2 GHz AMD Athlon 3200+ ? Here are some facts: The IDLING/FULL LOAD energy consumption of a IntelP4 is 114/192 watt. An AMD ATHLON needs 136/173 watt for operation. An Intel P3 (1Ghz) “settles” for 35/60 Watt
Conclusion: You can cut your power consumption by two-thirds and save money if you ignore the speed race and use an older computer for a longer period. ReUse-appliances reduce investment requirements without restricting performance; and they are a sign of modern, environmentally-aware economic attitudes.
Revision: 2008/04/28 - 19:38 - © ReUse-Computer e.V.
