Kick the Habit: A UN Guide to Climate Neutrality

Life cycle emissions of a computer

Pumping and treatment

Average composition of a desktop computer

Silica 25%

All these materials need mining, quarrying, extracting

Production from Coal Gas Oil Uranium (extraction and burning)

Plastics 23%

DISPOSAL

To related industrial sectors

Iron 20%

Aluminium 14%

DISMANTLING

Tin 1% Nickel 1% Copper 7% Lead 6% Zinc 2%

Mercury Others, including: Selenium

SORTING

MATERIALS RECYCLING

Silver

Manganese

Arsenic Cobalt

Gold

Cadmium

T r a n s p o r t

COMPUTER USE

To second- hand user

“ Manufacturing computers is materials-intensive; the total fossil fuels used to make one desktop computer weigh over 240 kilograms, some ten times the weight of the computer itself. This is very high compared to many other goods: For an automobile or refrigerator, for example, the weight of fossil fuels used for production is roughly equal to their weights. Substantial quantities of chemicals (22 kg), and water (1 500 kg) are also used. ” Eric Williams, Computers and the Environment. Understanding and managing their impact, 2004. Sources: UNEP/GRID-Arendal 2008; French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME), Bilan Carbone © , Guide des facteurs d’émissions, 2007; Eric Williams, Ruediger Kuehr , Computers and the Environment. Understanding and managing their impact, 2004; Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition.

Ever-shortening lifespans: 2 to 3 years for a laptop 4 to 5 years for a desktop computer

940 kg of CO 2 per year

eq

KICK THE HABIT THE CYCLE – REDUCE

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