New vs Used Electrical Equipment: Carbon Footprint
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Buying refurbished electrical equipment can cut CO₂ emissions by up to 78% and use 85% less energy compared to new equipment. This is because most emissions (80%) come from manufacturing, which refurbishment largely avoids. Here's what you need to know:
- New Equipment: High carbon emissions due to raw material extraction, energy-intensive production, and global transportation. Producing a 50-pound panel, for example, emits over 1,100 pounds of CO₂.
- Refurbished Equipment: Dramatically lower emissions by reusing materials, extending the lifespan of devices, and reducing e-waste. For example, refurbishing an iPhone 11 cuts emissions by 78%.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | New Equipment | Refurbished Equipment | Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO₂ Emissions | High (e.g., 72 kg) | Low (e.g., 15.7 kg) | Up to 78% |
| Energy Use | High | Up to 85% less | Significant savings |
| Raw Material Use | Heavy reliance | Minimal | Vastly reduced |
| Waste Generation | High | Low | Up to 80% reduction |
Bottom line: Refurbished equipment is a cost-effective, eco-friendly choice that reduces emissions, saves energy, and minimizes waste without sacrificing performance.
PCF: Track and Optimize the Carbon Footprint of Your Products
Carbon Footprint of New Electrical Equipment
The production of new electrical equipment carries a hefty environmental cost, driven by the extraction of raw materials, energy consumption, and the global logistics required to bring products to market.
Manufacturing Emissions and Resource Use
The manufacturing process for electrical equipment is energy-intensive and heavily reliant on raw materials, making it one of the most carbon-heavy industries. Take steel production as an example - it alone contributes to 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions and can account for up to half of the emissions in manufacturing-heavy sectors like automotive.
To put it into perspective, producing 2.2 pounds of electronics releases nearly 50 pounds of CO2. That’s a staggering ratio of 22:1. In 2020, the electronics industry was responsible for 580 million metric tons of CO2 emissions, and if current trends hold, this figure could rise to 852 million metric tons annually by 2030.
The extraction of metals and rare earth elements further compounds the issue. These materials are critical for electrical equipment, particularly clean energy technologies, which require up to nine times more minerals than traditional systems.
The emissions from manufacturing come from two main sources: 75% stem from burning fuel to generate heat, while the remaining 25% arise from the industrial processes that convert raw materials into finished goods. Efforts to reduce these emissions are underway. For instance, companies like SSAB are developing fossil-free steel, and Stegra has introduced low-emission production techniques.
"Our intention is to decrease the CO2 footprint of our products. Some of our base polymers have a high CO2 footprint, and if we use sustainable fillers, we can achieve a smaller footprint. But at the same time, we do not want to compromise our sealing properties. The sustainable material must provide the same sealing functionality."
- Dr. Boris Traber, Director of Advanced Material Development, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies
While manufacturing is a major contributor, the transportation and logistics involved in global supply chains add another layer of emissions to the equation.
Transportation and Supply Chain Impacts
The logistics behind moving raw materials and finished products also leave a considerable carbon footprint. Supply chain operations account for 80% of a consumer company’s greenhouse gas emissions and over 90% of its environmental impact. Transportation, in particular, is a key driver, as trucks, ships, trains, and planes - most of which rely on fossil fuels - are integral to the process.
For example, empty freight vehicles made up one-fifth of all road freight distances traveled in the EU in 2023. However, companies are turning to technology to cut down on these inefficiencies. OnTruck, a company utilizing AI for road freight, reduced the proportion of empty kilometers driven by trucks from 44% to 19% - a change that shows how transport optimization can cut supply chain emissions by as much as 28%.
Other businesses are also stepping up. UPS’s Orion system, which optimizes delivery routes, reportedly saves the company 10 million gallons of fuel each year. Coca-Cola has shifted more long-distance shipments to rail, reducing its reliance on trucks. Meanwhile, Amazon has partnered with Rivian to create a fleet of 100,000 electric delivery vans by 2030.
Small inefficiencies in global supply chains can snowball into significant emissions over time. Inefficient transportation routes, surplus inventory, and wasteful production practices all contribute to unnecessary energy use. For electrical equipment, the transport of heavy components like transformers and large panels makes these challenges even more pronounced.
To tackle this, companies must evaluate every stage of their supply chain, from sourcing materials to final delivery. A key step is to work with suppliers that prioritize low-emission practices. This is particularly crucial now, as raw material costs have surged, making up 50-70% of total battery costs, compared to 40-50% just five years ago.
Carbon Footprint of Refurbished Electrical Equipment
Refurbishing electrical equipment sidesteps the energy-heavy production stages while maintaining reliable performance. By giving new life to existing equipment, this process avoids the most carbon-intensive parts of an item's lifecycle, offering an eco-friendly alternative without sacrificing functionality.
Lower Emissions and Energy Use
Refurbishment significantly reduces energy consumption compared to manufacturing new equipment. Instead of starting from scratch with raw material extraction and full-scale production, refurbishment focuses on upgrading existing components.
The environmental benefits are striking. Opting for a refurbished part instead of a new one can cut CO₂ emissions by about 75%. This is crucial since the production phase is often the biggest contributor to the environmental footprint of electronic devices. Essentially, refurbishment bypasses the most carbon-heavy stage altogether.
Take smartphones, for example. Refurbishing an iPhone 11 results in just 15.7 kg of CO₂ emissions - a 78% drop compared to the 72 kg associated with a new unit. Similar trends are evident across other products: refurbishing a Lenovo Thinkpad T460 i5 reduces emissions by 69%, and a 2017 Apple MacBook Air sees an 83% reduction. For industrial electrical equipment, which often requires even more resource-intensive manufacturing, the potential for emissions savings is just as impressive.
Some companies in the refurbishment industry are also making sustainability a priority in their operations. For instance, SK tes has installed photovoltaic (PV) solar panels at its facilities, covering up to 25% of the monthly electricity needs at their battery plant and around 40% at their e-waste recycling site. In Sweden, their facilities operate entirely on renewable energy, achieving net-zero scope 2 emissions.
"By minimizing the steps involved in the equipment's lifecycle, refurbishment significantly reduces the overall carbon emissions associated with the production and use of industrial electrical machinery." - J&P Electrical
Beyond cutting energy use, refurbishment also boosts sustainability by extending the lifespan of equipment.
Extended Equipment Life and Waste Reduction
Refurbishment addresses environmental concerns from another angle: waste reduction. By extending the usable life of electrical equipment, it prevents functional components from ending up in landfills and lessens the need for new raw materials.
The scale of electronic waste is staggering. In 2019, the U.S. generated about 6.9 million metric tons of e-waste, yet less than 20% of that was recycled. Refurbishment helps tackle this issue by keeping equipment in use and reducing the environmental risks associated with landfill waste.
By prolonging the life of equipment, refurbishment not only minimizes landfill contributions but also reduces the environmental toll of producing new items. Advocates of the Right to Repair movement suggest that widespread adoption of repair-friendly policies could cut e-waste by as much as 30%. This shift could encourage a broader mindset of repairing and maintaining devices rather than replacing them, aligning perfectly with the sustainability benefits of refurbishment.
Electrical Trader offers a range of refurbished components that support eco-friendly procurement practices. Their marketplace includes both new and refurbished electrical equipment - like breakers, transformers, and power distribution components - allowing buyers to meet their environmental goals without compromising on performance or safety.
On top of lowering CO₂ emissions, refurbishment reduces the demand for raw materials, which in turn decreases the need for mining and resource extraction. This is especially critical for electrical equipment, which often relies on rare earth elements and other metals that come with steep environmental costs during extraction.
"By refurbishing used equipment, we extend its life cycle, significantly reducing the volume of waste destined for landfills and minimizing potential soil and water contamination." - J&P Electrical
SK tes Thailand provides another example of industry leadership, with solar panels now supplying over 50% of their electricity needs. These efforts highlight how modern refurbishment practices continue to evolve, maximizing environmental benefits throughout the lifecycle of electrical equipment.
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Climate Impact Comparison
When you stack up new and refurbished electrical equipment side by side, the differences in carbon emissions, resource use, and waste generation are hard to ignore. A staggering 80% of a device's CO₂ emissions come from its manufacturing process. Refurbishment, by skipping this intensive stage, offers a much greener alternative.
Impact Comparison Table
Here's a breakdown of how refurbishing measures up against manufacturing when it comes to environmental impact:
| Environmental Factor | New Equipment | Refurbished Equipment | Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO₂ Emissions | Full production emissions (72 kg) | Lower emissions (15.7 kg) | Up to 78% reduction |
| Energy Consumption | High energy use for mining, transport, and production | Up to 85% less energy required | 85% energy savings |
| Raw Material Use | Heavy reliance on metals and rare earth elements | Minimal new materials needed | Vastly reduced resource demand |
| Water Usage | Significant water consumption during production | Reduced water needs | Major reduction |
| Waste Generation | Produces manufacturing waste and disposal challenges | Extends life, reduces landfill waste | Up to 80% e-waste reduction |
| Transportation Impact | Relies on global shipping from factories | Often distributed locally or regionally | Lower transportation emissions |
Take laptops, for example. A remanufactured laptop generates just 6.34% of the CO₂ emissions of a new one. Circular Computing estimates that each remanufactured laptop they produce prevents about 316 kg of CO₂ emissions.
Given that manufacturing accounts for around 20% of global carbon emissions and the world generates 50 million metric tons of electronic waste annually, these numbers make a strong case for refurbishment.
Refurbished equipment not only cuts down on environmental harm but also maintains performance, making it a smart choice for businesses aiming to shrink their carbon footprint while staying efficient. The data speaks for itself - refurbishment is a win for sustainability.
Business Considerations
Choosing refurbished electrical equipment isn't just about helping the environment - it’s also about making smart business decisions. Cost savings, reliable performance, and alignment with sustainability goals are all key factors when considering procurement options. While the environmental benefits set the stage, the business advantages of refurbished equipment are equally compelling.
Cost and Performance Review
One of the biggest draws of refurbished electrical equipment is cost savings. New installations can run into the thousands, but refurbished options can slash capital costs by up to 50% - a huge financial advantage for businesses. Retrofitting existing systems can be even more economical, cutting expenses by as much as 65% compared to purchasing brand-new equipment. Plus, by reusing existing components, retrofitting contributes to a smaller carbon footprint.
"Extending the life of low– and medium-voltage switchgear with direct replacement circuit breakers is a very good option that can save over 40% of the total cost of a project. In addition, it allows facility personnel to have more control over the total cost of their project, which can be done in phases over the years." - Luiz Carlos Xavier
Refurbished equipment isn’t just about saving money - it’s also about performance. Modern refurbishment processes include rigorous inspections, repairs, and testing to meet manufacturer standards. The result? Equipment that performs just as well as new units but at a fraction of the price. In fact, well-maintained refurbished systems can often outlast poorly maintained new ones. For example, regular maintenance can extend a system's lifespan from 10 to 15 years, with total costs over 15 years potentially reaching $15,000 - far less than the $20,000 you might spend without proper upkeep. Another advantage? Refurbished equipment is often available on short notice, making it a lifesaver during emergencies or tight project deadlines.
Climate Goals and Procurement Policies
For businesses today, aligning procurement strategies with climate goals is more important than ever. Corporate sustainability initiatives are driving companies to reduce their environmental impact while staying efficient and cost-conscious. Refurbished electrical equipment fits perfectly into these goals by extending product lifecycles and reducing electronic waste.
Businesses adopting green IT practices are seeing tangible benefits, such as lower e-waste and longer device lifespans. The refurbished market is gaining momentum, with private companies, public organizations, and even government agencies recognizing the value. Refurbished equipment often sells for 30–70% less than new models, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
"Refurbished products are a relevant alternative for any company that wants to adopt a sustainable procurement approach, in line with its CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) strategy." - Manutan
Government agencies, in particular, are setting an example by choosing cost-effective refurbished electronics. This not only frees up funds for other critical areas but also demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility. Business leaders are increasingly turning to refurbished options to meet sustainability goals, aligning with circular economy principles and stakeholder expectations.
"Refurbishing doesn't just give gadgets a second life; it also supports the broader goal of reducing the carbon footprint of electronics manufacturing." - Wisetek Market
To fully integrate refurbished equipment into procurement policies, businesses need a solid plan. This includes partnering with certified vendors, developing maintenance strategies to keep equipment in top condition, and creating backup plans for parts availability. Refurbished equipment isn’t a compromise - it’s a strategic choice that delivers financial savings, environmental benefits, and long-term value. Platforms like Electrical Trader make it simple to compare new and refurbished options, helping businesses make informed decisions that align with their goals.
Conclusion: Making Climate-Conscious Choices
Opting for refurbished electrical equipment is a powerful way to cut both carbon emissions and costs. Compared to buying new, refurbished parts can significantly reduce emissions, making them a crucial step for organizations looking to align with sustainability goals.
The refurbishment process uses considerably less energy, reduces the demand for raw materials, and extends the life of equipment - all of which contribute to a circular economy.
Certified vendors emphasize these advantages:
"Buying refurbished parts or repair allows a company to buy equipment that looks like new with 100% functionality and a 24-month warranty; its function and performance are the same as a brand new part... By doing so, you are actively helping to reduce CO2 emissions and generated waste, while at the same time getting equipment that works with a warranty, the same equipment as the official supplier has." - DREAMland PLC
Beyond environmental benefits, climate-conscious purchasing can improve a company’s bottom line. It’s been shown to boost revenue by 5–20% while reducing supply chain costs by 9–16%.
When deciding between new and refurbished equipment, it’s essential to consider your specific needs. For items where production has the largest environmental impact, refurbished options are often the better choice. However, for equipment where energy use during operation is a bigger factor, decisions should weigh both the initial cost and long-term energy expenses.
Partnering with certified vendors is key to successful sustainable procurement. These vendors conduct thorough testing, provide warranties, and incorporate sustainability into their processes. Platforms like Electrical Trader simplify the comparison of new and refurbished options, helping businesses make informed decisions that align with both financial and environmental goals.
FAQs
How does refurbishing electrical equipment help reduce e-waste compared to purchasing new equipment?
Refurbishing electrical equipment plays a key role in cutting down e-waste by breathing new life into used devices rather than discarding them. This involves repairing, upgrading, or reconditioning equipment, which helps reduce the demand for manufacturing new products and keeps waste out of landfills.
When you choose refurbished gear, fewer raw materials are extracted, which helps lessen the environmental toll of mining and production processes. This approach not only conserves essential resources but also promotes a more circular economy. Opting for refurbished items is a smart way to shrink your carbon footprint while making the most of existing electrical components.
How can choosing refurbished electrical equipment save businesses money and support their sustainability goals?
Choosing refurbished electrical equipment can be a smart move for businesses looking to cut costs. It often slashes expenses by 30–50% compared to buying new, giving companies more financial flexibility to meet their operational needs. Plus, it extends the lifespan of existing products, meaning fewer replacements and reduced capital spending over time.
There’s also a clear environmental upside. Refurbished equipment cuts down the demand for raw materials and the energy needed to produce new products. This helps reduce waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions. For businesses aiming to meet sustainability targets, this choice not only minimizes environmental impact but also strengthens their commitment to corporate social responsibility.
What should companies consider when choosing a reliable vendor for refurbished electrical equipment?
When it comes to refurbished electrical equipment, reliability and performance hinge on choosing the right vendor. It's essential to work with certified vendors who adhere to strict safety and quality standards. Make sure they comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and use top-notch, design-approved components throughout the refurbishment process. A trustworthy vendor will also provide documentation proving the equipment meets the original manufacturer’s specifications and has been rigorously tested.
Another important step? Look for certification marks from recognized testing labs. These marks are a clear indicator that the equipment is safe and meets compliance standards. Beyond that, regular maintenance and preventive care play a big role in extending the life of refurbished equipment while keeping it running smoothly.