Tech’s Carbon Problem – and the Simple Choice Every Business Can Make

We don’t often think about the environmental cost of technology—but it’s one of the fastest-growing threats to our planet.

The global technology sector—spanning everything from smartphones to servers—is estimated to be responsible for between 2% and 4% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, putting it on par with the aviation industry. And it’s growing fast. Factoring in the explosion in AI, some estimates suggest tech could account for up to 14% of global emissions by 2040 —equivalent to the emissions of entire industrialised nations today.

This isn’t just about energy-hungry data centres or devices we replace too soon. It starts with the extraction of rare earth minerals, runs through emissions-intensive manufacturing and global logistics, and ends in landfill—or worse. Not to mention the long list of social issues that follow in its wake—exploitative labour in supply chains, unsafe recycling practices, and rising digital inequality both at home and abroad.

It’s a big problem. But unlike many sectors, this is one that businesses can directly influence—starting with how we buy our tech.

At TechForGood, we’re working to make that choice easier, more accessible, and more impactful.

A Simple Choice: Refurbished or New—with Purpose

Every organisation needs technology to function. But whether that tech accelerates the climate crisis—or helps solve it—depends on where it comes from, how it’s made, and where you buy it from.

For those looking to minimise their impact without compromising on performance, refurbished is a smart and effective option. TechForGood offers BSI-certified refurbished and remanufactured laptops and desktops that deliver the same reliability as new devices—but at significantly lower cost and with up to 70% less carbon impact. These aren’t hand-me-downs or consumer leftovers; they’re high-spec, business-grade machines, professionally restored and fully warrantied.

But when refurbished isn’t an option, we help customers buy new with purpose. TechForGood is the only UK IT supplier that offsets the carbon impact of every new product sold, automatically, at the point of sale. And we go further still—we reinvest our profits into climate and social impact, including funding the TechForGood Foundation, which provides IT training and employment support to disadvantaged young people across the UK, due to launch in 2025.

Whether you’re buying refurbished or new, you’re helping reduce emissions, tackle inequality, and support the next generation of digital workers. It’s technology with meaning—and measurable results.

A Trusted Tech Partner for a Changing World

TechForGood is the UK’s only IT supplier that is both a certified B Corp™ and a Social Enterprise. Our mission is hardwired into everything we do—not added as a marketing extra.

We’re an authorised partner of leading global brands including Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, and more. We work with businesses, NHS procurement teams, local authorities, and purpose-led organisations across the UK. Our fulfillment is fast, our support is responsive, and our impact is built-in—not bolted on.

Procurement is Power

Technology touches every part of modern business. That makes IT one of the most overlooked levers for positive change—financially, socially, and environmentally.

You can stick with business as usual. Or you can partner with the UK’s only carbon-conscious tech supplier, and ensure every pound you spend on IT helps regenerate the world we share.

Refurbished or new—the choice is yours. Just make it count.

Let’s Talk

If you’re rethinking how your organisation buys, uses, or replaces technology, we’d love to help.
Come speak to us at ReGeneration Earth, you’ll find us at Stand 53, visit techforgood.co.uk  or get in touch via email hello@techforgood.co.uk to learn more.