Digital technology is an important part of our daily lives and is responsible for 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, just as much as aviation. Did you know that the life of a computer has gone from 11 years in 1985 to 4 years today ? The rapid growth of the digital industry has significant environmental impacts. The rise of digital technologies is resulting in increased energy and resource consumption, as well as increased production of electronic waste.

In this context, Responsible Digital or Green IT is emerging as a response to environmental issues related to information and communication technologies. 

Dipli, aware of this ecological challenge, is committed to optimizing the second life of electronic products. Let’s discover together how to move towards a more sustainable digital. 

Issues and challenges of digital pollution 

The 3 main issues related to digital pollution are : 

⚡️ Energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
The production and use of digital technologies, such as data centers, smartphones and computers, consume a large amount of electrical energy. 

🚨 Planned obsolescence and overproduction
Programmed obsolescence, that is, the intentional design of products to become obsolete or cease to function after a certain period of time, leads consumers to buy new products, resulting in overproduction and an increase in the amount of e-waste.

🗑 Management of electronic waste
WEEE management often contains toxic substances that can harm human health and the environment. The amount of e-waste is increasing rapidly, raising concerns about its proper disposal and management of its environmental impacts.

More responsible digital practices

• Choose the right IT product: scalable, easy to disassemble and repairable.
• Purchase second-hand electronics as soon as possible.
• Take care of your device so it lasts longer.
• Recycle or repair your electronic device when it no longer works.
• Reduce consumption by turning off GPS, wifi, and Bluetooth on your smartphone or tablet
• Sort and delete emails

What is the role of companies in promoting responsible digital?

Responsible digital technology has become a major challenge for businesses, particularly in the context of the current ecological transition. Businesses are increasingly aware of the environmental and social impacts of their activities, and digital is no exception. As part of a CSR strategy, there are concrete actions to reduce the environmental footprint of their digital activity :

• The implementation of an e-waste management policy,
• The implementation of a responsible purchasing policy for electronic equipment,
• Raising employees' awareness of best practices for the rational use of digital technology,
• Using energy-efficient digital solutions to reduce electricity consumption.

How to obtain the “Responsible Digital” label?

Companies that commit to using digital technologies in an ethical, sustainable and responsible way are rewarded with the "Responsible Digital" label, which focuses on three fundamental pillars: People, Planete, profit. To obtain it, they must go through six steps, including training in “Responsible Digital”. The approach is therefore beneficial for both the company and the environment, and can help build a more responsible and sustainable future for all.

Some key figures to know :

• 4% is the Internet’s share of greenhouse gas emissions, which is 50% more than the GHG emissions of global air transport per year.
• According to ADEME, it is estimated that 70 to 90% of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) does not follow regulated recycling channels.
• 22 kilograms is the amount of chemicals needed to make a computer, plus 240kg of fuel and 1.5 T of water.
• 60%: the share of video streaming on internet bandwidth, of which 15% only for Netflix
  
  

These figures raise awareness of the importance of adopting a more responsible digital approach in an attempt to reduce the ecological, economic and social footprint of information and communication technologies. In 2022, Dipli managed to give 111,561 products a second life, saving 2,744 tonnes of CO2 and 8,579 tonnes of raw materials. We are the ideal solution for professionals who are looking to upgrade their stocks or buy quality products, at an advantageous price, while respecting the environment.