Without doubt, environmental questions are on the international agenda. Most IT relying companies do not regard their IT equipment as environmentally hazardous - it is only office equipment. The truth is that a large printer/copier emits more CO2 than an average Norwegian car within a four year cycle.

Governmental and other authorities have focused on the recycling aspects of the IT industry, and the regulations for use and disposal of such goods are becoming stricter by the day. Also, the shipping of hazardous waste to undeveloped countries for recycling has been a focus area (and much of this waste is electronic equipment).

To become climate neutral we need to analyze the emissions each product generate through the life cycle by following the carbon footprint from extraction through production, use and reuse, to the recycling end. The results are somewhat astonishing, compared to emission data from products that are commonly known to affect the environment.

A standard laptop PC emits 336 kilos CO2 within a life span of four years. A standard laser printer/copier emits some 1.404 kilos - and a large printer/copier emits 21.240 kilos(!). A standard Norwegian car emits over six tons less CO2 during the same period...