Tech, a sustainability roadblock, or enabler?

Globally, 53.6 million metric tons of electronic waste (e-waste) are produced every year, estimates the United Nations (UN). Yet, 83% of this e-waste is not even being collected. The big question therein: is tech a sustainability roadblock or enabler?

On the sidelines of the 43^rd edition of Gitex Global, sustainable technology has gained significance. From climate solutions and deep tech to artificial intelligence (AI), discussions are ongoing about how technology can enable a better world for the future generations.

In this context, Ahmad Alkhallafi, Managing Director for UAE & Africa at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) said, “Technology can be seen as one of sustainability’s biggest stumbling blocks. From energy consumption to electronic waste, to supply chain – the tech industry has a growing ecological footprint and needs to take responsibility. But we also see that technology can be part of the solution, be it in research and development or as a driver for transformation.”

Interestingly, HPE has made some strides in its journey towards a circular economy. The most recent example is an art piece featuring Burj Khalifa, which is made from e-waste. The art piece, currently displayed at GITEX Global, is made entirely of HPE electronic circuit board parts and aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of the tech industry and symbolises the company’s ongoing commitment to address environmental challenges in the UAE and the industry. Further, HPE has committed to become a net-zero entity across its entire value chain by 2040.

Building a better world for the future generations can’t be achieved in isolation and therein collective action is crucial to promote circularity and enable a low-carbon economy.

In this context, a great example is the Dubai Future Foundation’s (DFF) participation in the ‘DYOD: Donate Your Own Device’ campaign. Organised by The Digital School, an initiative of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), the campaign aims to collect 10,000 used electronic devices from individual and institutional donors, which will then be refurbished and used as learning tools for students.

Meanwhile, technology is also playing a pivotal role in the sustainable fashion category through solutions such as 3D printing, digital manufacturing as well as use of tools to track and monitor durability of fashion products. An example that comes to mind is Spanish retailer Inditex Group’s fashion brand Zara that partnered with a fashion tech company called Circ launching a first-of-its-kind women’s capsule collection made using recycled polycotton blended textiles.