We’re On a Mission!
We are adopting sustainable business practices to minimise our environmental impact, promote social responsibility and create long-term economic value.
Given the digital acceleration triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to ensure that these practices extend to the use of technology as well.
Orbitel Business Practices
By adopting these and other sustainable business practices, companies can reduce their environmental impact, improve their reputation, and create long-term economic value for their stakeholders.
Resource efficiency – Implement processes and systems that reduce waste and conserve resources , such as water, energy and materials.
Renewable energy – Where possible we use renewable energy sources to meet energy needs.
Supply chain management – Ensure all suppliers, vendors and contractors meet ethical and environmental standards.
Employee engagement – Encourage employees to participate in sustainability efforts and promote work-life balance.
Community involvement – Engaging with local communities and organisations to support local initiatives and address social and environmental issues.
What is E-Waste?
E-waste is a term used to describe electronic devices and components that are no longer needed or wanted. This can include items such as computers, televisions, mobile phones, household appliances. It is estimated that the amount of e-waste generated worldwide is increasing by 5% each year.
Companies face increasing demands for innovative products and solutions even as resources are becoming scarcer—and more expensive. E-waste makes up 70% of our overall toxic waste.⁽³⁾
How can we help?
E- waste contains valuable resources such as metals, plastics and glass but it also contains toxic substances such as lead and mercury that can harm the environment. All e-waste has been banned from landfill since 2013, so it cannot be put in your waste bin at the office or home.
By being more mindful about where your e-waste ends up, you can limit how much you produce and the impact it has on the environment. A circular economy simply leverages existing resources and puts them back into the supply chain instead of using them once and throwing them away. Only 20% of e-waste is formally recycled.⁽⁴⁾
Reduce
The easiest way to solve the e-waste crisis is to produce less e-waste. At Orbitel we take care of your electronics and only supply quality hardware that will last. When you don’t have to replace hardware as often, you end up saving money.
Reuse
Instead of tossing out that old computer or laptop, we look at selling or donating it. Many schools or community projects need old equipment for training. It may not be efficient enough for business use, but maybe a family member checking emails once a week would benefit.
Repair
People often throw out and replace broken electronics instead of getting them repaired. Our partnerships with hardware providers offering extensive warranty allows us to repair in the first instance.
Recycle
As a last resort, you can always recycle your e-waste—Orbitel will follow our E-waste service to ensure safe and sustainable disposal.
Orbitel’s Sustainable Providers
Microsoft has made sustainability a key part of its business strategy.
Committed to be carbon negative by 2030
100% renewable energy to run data centres by 2025
Sustainability training and volunteering opportunities for staff
Lenovo is committed to sustainability.
Sustainable materials in its products, recycled plastics, bio-based plastics and low impact metals.
Green operations- reducing waste, using renewable energy.
Corporate social responsibility through various initiatives and communities.
Environmental reporting- Annual sustainability reports that provide transparency and progress towards goals.
Net zero emissions by 2050.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has taken several steps to reduce its environmental impact.
Renewable energy, invested in 6.5 GW of wind and solar projects, to power their AWS data centers.
Climate action, committed to be carbon neutral by 2040.
Supply chain sustainability, working with its suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of its products.
Trees For Life
Orbitel proudly partners with Trees for Life SA to recreate biodiverse habitat for native wildlife. We offset hardware sales by planting trees and for each new client we provide a gift for the future by planting local indigenous seedlings at a specific habitat that they can monitor and become involved in if they wish.
Carbon Neutral Adelaide
Commitment from critical stakeholders – including top leadership – is essential to drive and embed sustainable IT approaches in the organisation, particularly given the low level of overall awareness that exists in many. This will also help all stakeholders understand the need for sustainable IT and ensure the process is transparent and reliable. Carbon Neutral Adelaide is a community shared ambition to achieve and maintain a city that is green, liveable, smart and creative
Biodiversity McLaren Vale
Biodiversity McLaren Vale is a joint initiative of local community, industry and government. With an aim to enhance indigenous biodiversity within the McLaren Vale region to foster a regenerative rural economy, farms and community.
⁽¹⁾ United Nations institute for Training and Research, “GLOBAL E-WASTE SURGING: UP 21 PER CENT IN 5 YEARS,” July 2, 2020
⁽²⁾ https://www.capgemini.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Sustainable-IT_Report.pdf
⁽³⁾ www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling.
⁽⁴⁾ www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/press-release/un-report-time-seize-opportunity-tackle-challenge-e-waste.