GreenDice’s service offers a transparent solution for green strategy implementation
Where does office equipment end up when a company no longer needs it? How can you be sure that the computers, monitors, and other devices you purchased won’t end up buried in the ground as recycled waste or languishing in some intermediary’s warehouses? A mere certificate or promise that the equipment has been recycled does not provide that assurance; transparency is essential.
Companies consume a lot of various high-quality IT equipment, but its typical usage period is 3-5 years. However, business-class equipment could continue to create value in society for at least as long. GreenDice has created a service that helps companies measure and reduce the carbon footprint of computer technology and extend the lifespan of devices through reuse. Companies can track the entire product lifecycle up to material recycling and real actions in their green strategies through a cloud-based system.
To date, over 200 Estonian companies have joined GreenDice’s tech recycling initiative, contributing to the digital development of society with their equipment. “We believe that accessible reuse of high-quality equipment helps reduce overconsumption and the preference for low-quality new products. To this end, we have created a community service that allows the use of technical equipment from 6.90 euros per month, including professional IT support, full warranty, and insurance,” explains Argo Alaniit, CEO of GreenDice. “If needed, devices can be upgraded, added, or the service terminated at any time,” he added.
The service reduces the company’s administrative burden.
Time is our most valuable resource, but it always seems to be in short supply. GreenDice helps companies with its service and reduces the workload of the IT department. “Once a company has compiled a list of the equipment they no longer need, we take care of everything else. If necessary, we perform data destruction on the devices according to the company’s rules, organize the logistics ourselves, perform maintenance on the devices, brand the products with the company’s logo, and direct them to reuse as a service,” describes Alaniit.
Equipment that no longer creates value or is not reasonable to repair is directed to material recycling. To date, 32 tons of electronics have been circulated through GreenDice.
Often, a company’s IT staff are the only tech-savvy acquaintances, so they are also approached with personal computer problems. “Many partner company employees also use our service, having joined the community service for personal use or for their children. This way, GreenDice takes care of their technical issues, and the IT department doesn’t have to spend time solving personal computer problems,” adds GreenDice’s CEO.
Contribution to Estonia’s digital development.
When it started, GreenDice’s goal was to support developing countries with necessary technology and knowledge to improve the living standards of their residents. However, with the onset of the corona period, an unexpected need for technology also emerged here in Estonia. “We were surprised by how many individuals and schools sought various ways to acquire computers. We had assumed that in our successful digital nation, access to computer technology was not a problem,” recalls Alaniit. “Unfortunately, the situation is still not good today, and many schools suffer from poor technical capabilities.”
However, together with partner companies, the situation of local governments and especially schools is being vigorously improved. “We have realized that digital development requires not only devices but also systems, education, and consistent support,” describes Alaniit regarding cooperation with schools.
The first larger undertaking is with Tõrva Gymnasium, where a junior IT manager program has also started. Technology-interested young people are learning under GreenDice’s guidance how to support teachers when technical problems arise.
The contribution of Estonian companies to digital development through technology recycling is commendable and highly appreciated by schools. Branded devices and high-quality service also positively enhance the reputation of partner companies among students and teachers.
What motivated you to join GreenDice?
Einar Laagriküll, Member of the Board of Forus
A caring attitude and the fact that GreenDice genuinely wants to do something good for our environment and the world. GreenDice has an open model where our company can constantly see the ecological footprint of our computer park without having to do complex calculations ourselves. We see the real-time footprint of the entire computer park that we use. In addition, we see the footprint of the machines that we have sent for disposal and back into circulation. Since we must submit a sustainability report, i.e., an ESG report, based on our financial year this year, cooperation with GreenDice simplifies the submission of several important data points. We also like the fact that we can offer our people the opportunity to join the service through GreenDice for personal use and get a decent business-class computer. If it breaks, it will be replaced. Complete user support is also a great bonus. For example, several of our security employees use GreenDice’s service.
