Replacing laptops harms the environment, study shows

A study from the German Öko-Institut (Institute for Applied Ecology) 'Timely replacement of a notebook under consideration of environmental aspects' concludes that the share of the production phase in the total greenhouse gas emissions of a (computer) notebook can be significantly reduced by taking measures to extend the useful life-time of a notebook. Therefore, the study recommends that the focus of mandatory product policy for ICT should be expanded to measures related to possibilities of hardware upgrading, modular construction, recycling-friendly design, availability of spare parts, standardisation of components and minimum warranty periods.

EurActiv suggested that the study concluded that upgrading old laptops was more energy-efficient than purchasing newer, 'greener' models.

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