Global Partnerships
Computer Emissions Fund
Computers use large amounts of energy, and through the usage of that energy they cause substantial emissions of greenhouse gases.
It is estimated that in 2011 a quarter of the world population of 7 billion are using computers connected to the internet, generating significant global emissions from personal and business use of computer technology.
Computer use is responsible for nearly 2.7 percent of Australia's total carbon emissions. More significantly, it is directly responsible for more than 7 per cent of all electricity generated in Australia. Further, on average, employees in Australian enterprises are each responsible for 0.75 tonnes a year of carbon emissions.
ICT consumption is expected to expand rapidly during the next decade and the ICT footprint will account for over 4% of total carbon emission by 2020.
"Carbon and Computers in Australia The Energy Consumption and Carbon Footprint of ICT Usage in Australia in 2010". A report for the Australian Computer Society by Connection Research
Computers damage the environment in three ways; manufacturing, usage and disposal.
Manufacturing - Primary materials extraction, primary materials processing, component manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and distribution.
Usage- Purchase of electricity that emits carbon into the atmosphere through generation
Disposal- Most computers at the end of their life cycle are thrown into landfill polluting the soil. Silica, Plastics, Iron, Aluminium, Copper, Lead, Zinc, Nickel, Tin, Mercury, Silver, Cobalt, Gold, Selenium, Manganese, Arsenic and Cadmium are some of the chemical inside computers.
"Life cycle emissions of a computer." UNEP/GRID-Arendal Maps and Graphics Library. 2009. UNEP/GRID-Arendal. 2 Nov 2011
Carbonxchange encourages citizens and business to take responsibility for the impact of their computer use on the environment and, at the same time, support the continuing growth and viability of this vital reforestation initiative in our neighbouring region.
Individuals and organisations who wish to voluntarily offset their technology use can make an annual donation of $5 per computer they use to the Computer Emissions Fund which will be used by the Tree Trusts to plant trees in reforestation projects in Timor Leste.
Reduce your computer's carbon footprint now by supporting Carbonxchange.