Paradigm shift in Green IT - extending the life-times of computers in the public authorities in Germany

Abstract

Public authorities have an important role to play in mainstreaming green procurement for ICT. However, a life-cycle thinking approach in the procurement process is necessary today. Several LCA studies have shown that the manufacturing phase of ICT products have a proportionally increasing environmental impact as compared to the use phase. Thus, extension of the service life of ICT products has been identified as the main strategy for minimising the total environmental impact of ICT products. Against this background, the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) commissioned the Oeko-Institute and the TU Berlin to assess the ecological and economic impact of various IT solutions in federal authorities in Germany. The focus was on desktop computers, notebooks and mini computers. Based on the results, the study identifies the most appropriate IT solutions for the public authorities and formulates a six point plan in order to lower the environmental and resource burden of the procurement practices.