Through the development of their open-source tool, Circul8, the Techbuyer team has demonstrated how data can be used to extend the life of laptops and PCs within organisations. By matching device performance to user needs, Circul8 helps IT departments identify machines that are underperforming or mismatched - allowing for reallocation or upgrades rather than disposal. This is a perfect example of practical sustainability in action: reducing emissions, preserving resources, and enabling better purchasing and maintenance decisions.
The real strength of this session was how clearly the team communicated the environmental and operational value of smart IT asset management. From insights into the carbon footprint of a single laptop to the challenge of managing e-waste globally, the session framed IT lifecycle decisions as a critical part of any organisation’s sustainability journey.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, and many appreciated the transparency around how the Circul8 tool collects only non-personal performance data - ensuring GDPR compliance while enabling meaningful analytics. What made the session particularly engaging was the clear call to action: Techbuyer is currently offering a one-month free trial of Circul8, and participants were encouraged to test it on their estates.
For me, this session was a reminder of the power of collaboration – between academia, innovators, and our ISEP partner network. It also highlighted the importance of investing in systems that can help us make more informed, sustainable choices. Astrid and the Techbuyer team are helping to lead the way, and I look forward to seeing how this project evolves in the months ahead.
If your organisation is exploring IT asset sustainability or wants to better understand how circular principles can be applied to day-to-day operations, I highly recommend getting in touch with Techbuyer – or reaching out to the ISEP Corporate Partnership team for support.
Stay tuned for more insights from our Educate & Elevate series.
