This summer, parts of Europe experienced record-breaking temperatures. Research shows that heat-related deaths are now three times more likely due to climate change*. Against this backdrop, the responsibility for companies and decision-makers to act is clearer than ever. Fortunately, there are concrete, effective, and surprisingly simple, ways to make a real difference. One of the most overlooked areas is IT procurement.
So how much climate impact does your organisation’s IT hardware really have? At Inrego, we’ve deepened our understanding of this question through a close partnership with ClimateHero, experts in corporate carbon footprint calculations. Together in 2024, we conducted a comprehensive study (in Swedish) of total emissions from Swedish service companies.
We found that on average, 12% of total emissions come from the purchase of IT equipment. In some cases, it’s over 30%.
The good news is that there are things that can be done. According to the report, emissions from IT hardware can be reduced from 235 kg to just 17 kg CO₂e per employee per year if companies choose refurbished instead of newly produced devices.
At the same time, The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) places new demands on detailed emissions reporting. And while the so-called "omnibus package" may simplify some parts of the framework, companies still need access to high-quality data and a clear understanding of where reductions matter most. The study shows that IT is often a bigger emissions driver than many realise.
Through our partnership, Inrego and ClimateHero help organisations both map their emissions and take real, practical steps to reduce them, starting with IT.
And it doesn’t have to be complicated. Choosing refurbished IT is a simple step with a big impact – for both the climate and your budget. Our refurbished laptops come with Windows 11, perform like new, include full support, and of course, come with the same warranty as new devices. The difference? The price, which often less than half the cost of new. As Europe struggles with extreme heat, the need for action is more urgent than ever.
*Analysis by Imperial College London and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, as reported by Reuters, July 9, 2025.
