Tech
Preventing Tech waste through cloud computingObjectives
- Preventing CO2 emission and use of resources by extending the life of devices/laptop, desktops/ using cloud computing technologies
- Raising awareness of tech waste among employees/volunteers of companies or organisations
Green Value indicator
Eco footprint/ Environmentally Weighted Material Consumption/ TMC/CO2 Saving:Preventing tech waste by extending the life of devices by cloud computing is crucial on both environmental and social levels, especially with regards to the exploitation of mineral and human resources in developing countries. The emissions caused to process those raw materials & the disposal/processing of tech waste which is constantly improving worldwide.
Explanation
This case applies to every phase of project cycle. The case takes into consideration the use of online tools which can be useful to extend the life of technologies in use in each office/workplace/workshop. What is more, cloud computing enables (according to the availability of internet connection) workers/managers to work from home regardless of the technical specifications of their home devices.Microsoft defines Cloud computing as follows:
“Simply put, cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the Internet (“the cloud”) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale.”
In other words, although cloud computing won’t help to be fully sustainable, it might support companies/organisations during any phase of the project cycle management by enabling the processing, transmission and storage of data online. For instance, project managers can store and retrieve project documents online to record project actions or save information and useful data for the quality monitoring and management. They can edit online using the major cloud services (e.g. Microsoft Office Online and OneDrive or Google Drive and the Office apps available). Workers/volunteers disseminating a project can create graphic contents online or store and share them using online apps and online graphic organisers (e.g. Canva and the cloud services available). Researchers can browse online archives and write their research using online services (e.g. Microsoft 360, GDrive, etc..) or store and show the results of their research through specific media channels (e.g. Flickr, Photos, etc..).
The main advantage of cloud computing lies in the device’s life extension. Specifically, the device won’t need a frequent update to comply with the technical requirement of new software which need to be installed on the device itself. The software is online, and so is the storage space. The only requirement is a good and stable internet connection.
PROS/CONS of the action
Pros:- Saving money on new laptops/desktops
- Extending life of devices using cloud storage space and web apps for the implementation of actions related to various phases of the project life cycle
- Enabling real-time sharing of documents or simultaneous work
- Encouraging online teamwork/coworking
- CO2 emission of the this practice does not take into account internet use, so it cannot be considered as a tool to completely avoid emissions
- Over-reliant on a good connection
- Depending on the web app in use the employee might need a more powerful internet connection for the data exchange
- It does not allow offline work for the majority of web apps
Certified
Not CertifiedLink to useful sources
Global E-Waste - Statistics & FactsThe Global E-waste Monitor 2020
What is cloud computing? A beginner’s guide
