Toward Achieving Environmental Sustainability in the Computer Industry

Abstract

The computer industry has come under increasing scrutiny in terms of energy consumption, the carbon emissions and e-waste. Shipment of e-waste to developing countries where it is often disposed of in unsafe ways is another major issue. Organizations and individuals have a tendency to throw away or store their aging computer technology assets which is not environmentally sustainable and or cost effective. Implementation of an end-to-end computer and related products' sustainability management strategy by incorporating the reuse of existing technology can make a major impact on the environment. Computer industry sustainability management includes design and development of energy efficient computer products, refurbishing of computer assets, purchasing of green or refurbished components and providing sustainability metrics procedures. By implementing sustainability programs, organizations can contribute in reducing the amount of energy spent to develop new computer technology products, help in reducing carbon emission, keep e-waste out of landfills and recycle them. This paper discusses different aspects of sustainable computer industry program and proposes that computer makers take ownership of disposing of e-waste by following safety standards. The paper also proposes adopting reverse supply chain process for possible reuse, recycle or disposal of computers.