🌱 Why are the circular economy and energy transition important?
The production of non-renewable energy has a significant negative impact on the environment and the climate. By transitioning over to renewable energy sources, it is possible to develop and meet our energy needs in a more sustainable manner. This is especially true if the reduction, reuse, and circularity of valuable resources needed for renewable technologies is at the heart of this transition. Both resources and energy can be saved by avoiding the production of unnecessary e-waste through companies and consumers.
🌱 How can circularity mitigate environmental damage from electronics?
The production of electronics consumes energy and water. It is largely dependent on the mining of finite raw materials. Both the mining process and e-waste may emit toxic chemicals. More specifically, the mining for metal, minerals, and raw materials used in electronics can cause habitat destruction, soil and water contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the incorrect disposal of e-waste often results in toxic chemicals being leached into the ground and surrounding freshwater. By using electronics responsibly and reducing e-waste, it is possible to reduce and mitigate some of the adverse effects of the electronics sector.
🌱 How can circularity cut emissions in the electronics sector?
The electronics industry is estimated to have emitted 580 million metric tons of CO2 in 2020. It is therewith amongst the top eight polluting sectors, which are collectively responsible for more than half of the world’s carbon footprint. Yet, by increasing the lifespan of electronic devices by 50% to 100%, it is possible to mitigate up to half of the total greenhouse gas emissions created by the electronics industry. This lifespan increase can be achieved – for example – through ecodesign, repair, refurbishment, and reuse.
🌱 What role do consumers’ energy choices play?
The energy sector is responsible for about 40% of global CO2 emissions. Yet, it is estimated that up to 20% of consumers' energy use can be saved through behavioral changes alone. On average, households “generated 25% of [the] energy-related greenhouse gas emissions” on the European market in 2010, and they “consumed almost 13% more energy” than they did just two decades prior. By challenging and changing the social norms, collective conventions, and widespread consumption patterns leading to our ever-increasing consumption of energy, it is possible to cut resource use and emissions.
Read more about the impacts here:
- https://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/can-we-save-energy-by
- https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/publications/achieving-energy-efficiency-through-behaviour