Funded takes a look at what some schools are doing to be more sustainable and save money. Dive into the world of recycled IT solutions and see how it’s changing the game for education and the environment.
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Funded
Each year, millions of laptops, tablets, and desktop computers find their way to the junkyard, contributing to a growing landfill crisis and the ever-increasing burden of electronic waste. This wasteful trend not only squanders valuable materials like copper, silver, and gold but also depletes our planet’s finite resources. Schools, however, have a vital role to play in reversing this while also reaping financial benefits.
The price of progress
SBLs frequently face the challenge of upgrading their IT systems due to ageing and wear and tear. Unfortunately, the reality for many is that the budget doesn’t stretch to acquire brand-new computers and laptops, This predicament has led numerous educational institutions to explore a more economical solution: refurbished equipment. This approach not only slashes costs but also extends the lifespan of each unit,
A case in point: Inspiration trust in East Anglia
The Inspiration Trust, encompassing 14 academies in East Anglia, was confronted with the daunting task of cutting its IT infrastructure expenditure by a staggering 40%. Michael Vaughan, the Head of ICT, embarked on a mission to meet this challenge head-on. Following an exhaustive internal audit aimed at devising a comprehensive replacement and upgrade strategy, Michael sought the expertise of recycling specialists to explore the potential of refurbished desktops and laptops in achieving his cost-cutting goals.
According to Michael, “Based on the age and condition of the PCs across all our schools, the estimated replacement cost was £5 million. I managed to reduce this expense by 20% through strategic choices in technology providers and platforms. However, the real game-changer, enabling me to achieve the remaining 20% reduction and reach my 40% target, was collaborating with a specialist recycling company.” This partnership uncovered substantial cost savings in IT infrastructure without compromising the quality of the systems provided to staff and pupils.
Success story: The Oldershaw School in Wallasey
The Oldershaw School in Wallasey embraced refurbished PCs in the summer of 2018 after receiving a glowing recommendation from another institution. At that time, acquiring a new suite of 26 PCs for an IT room would have cost an estimated £16,000 to £19,000, even for medium-specified systems featuring solid-state drives and HD displays. By opting for refurbished systems, the school managed to equip three IT suites within their budget, a feat that seemed impossible with new equipment.
Keith Hallam, the network manager at Oldershaw School, affirms the success of this decision, stating, “These systems are still in use today and working well with a very high reliability factor. We used the 12-month warranty a couple of times for power supplies, and the service was impeccable, with replacement parts shipped within one working day. Given the rapid increase in costs for new equipment since the pandemic, we’d have no hesitation in purchasing refurbished equipment again.”
Other ways to foster recycling in schools
Paper and products Incorporating recycling practices into your school can be simple and efficient. Activities like sorting waste materials into appropriate containers, measuring quantities of collected recyclables, and assigning tasks to volunteers can make a significant impact. Teachers can also incorporate local environmental issues into their lessons and encourage students to engage in research on pollution prevention strategies.
Waste food
Composting offers a sustainable solution to make use of organic materials that would otherwise end up as waste. Starting a compost program requires nothing more than a container to collect food scraps, organic waste from the premises, and cardboard. Collaborate with local waste management companies or community organisations to transport organic materials to a commercial composting facility, or establish an on-site composting system using basic tools like pitchforks, wheelbarrows, and shovels.
Water
Water butts present a practical way for schools to reduce their environmental footprint and cut costs on mains water. These devices collect rainwater, which can then be repurposed for various tasks such as watering plants or construction needs.
Waste-free lunches
Encourage students to bring their lunches or snacks in reusable containers instead of disposable plastic bags or wraps. Additionally, avoid selling pre-packaged snacks and drinks that come in single-use packaging.
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