P R O L E A R N
IT SUSTAINABILITY
IT Sustainability refers to the design, manufacture, use, and disposal of information technology in a way that minimises environmental impact while maximising social and economic benefits. It encompasses practices that reduce the carbon footprint of IT operations and leverage technology to support broader sustainability goals.
Key Characteristics
Energy Efficiency: Focusing on reducing energy consumption in data centres and end-user devices.
Circular Economy: Emphasising the reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of IT equipment.
Green Software Development: Creating software that minimises resource usage and energy consumption.
Benefits
Cost Savings: Sustainable IT practices can reduce energy costs by up to 30% in data centres.
Extended Equipment Lifespan: Remanufacturing can extend the life of IT equipment by 3-5 years, reducing e-waste.
Brand Reputation: Companies with strong IT sustainability practices can improve their brand image and attract environmentally conscious customers and employees.
Challenges and Considerations
Initial Investment: Implementing sustainable IT solutions may require upfront costs.
Rapid Technological Change: Balancing sustainability with the need for up-to-date technology.
Complex Supply Chains: Ensuring sustainability across global IT supply chains can be challenging.
Innovative Applications
AI for Energy Management: Using artificial intelligence to optimise energy use in IT systems.
Sustainable Cloud Computing: Leveraging cloud services powered by renewable energy.
E-waste Management Platforms: Developing systems to track and manage the lifecycle of IT equipment.
Future Outlook
As sustainability becomes increasingly critical, we can expect to see more integration of sustainable practices in IT development and operations. This may include the rise of carbon-aware computing, where software and systems are designed to actively minimise their carbon footprint.
Call to Action:
Evaluate your current IT practices for sustainability. Consider implementing a sustainable IT policy and explore how technology can support your organisation's broader sustainability goals.
Jiva Materials is a UK-based company founded in 2017 by Jack Herring. The company was established with the mission to create the world's first fully recyclable printed circuit board (PCB) substrate, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste. Jiva Materials' current mission focuses on commercializing Soluboard®, a patented, biodegradable PCB laminate made from natural fibers, water-soluble polymers, and halogen-free flame retardants. The core values of Jiva Materials include sustainability, innovation, and responsibility, with a purpose to transform the electronics industry by providing eco-friendly solutions.
Location
Headquarters: Waterlooville, Hampshire, United Kingdom.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Hampshire, United Kingdom.
Note: Strategic location in the UK to foster innovation and collaboration with industry partners.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using natural and biodegradable materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable.
Key innovations: Development of Soluboard®, a fully recyclable PCB laminate that can be dissolved in hot water, enabling the recovery of natural fibers, copper, and electronic components for reuse or recycling.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using locally sourced natural fibers and sustainable production methods to minimize environmental impact.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship product: Soluboard®, a fully recyclable PCB laminate with a 60% lower carbon footprint compared to traditional glass-fiber and epoxy laminates.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, sustainable PCB substrate that prioritizes circularity, material reuse, and environmental responsibility. Soluboard® is compatible with industry-standard PCB fabrication processes and has electrical properties comparable to market incumbents.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable materials, optimizing recycling processes, and developing new applications for Soluboard®.
Ambitious goals: To lead the electronics industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to material design.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Soluboard® is available for purchase and can be integrated into existing PCB fabrication processes.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Designed for full circularity).
Key Certifications: Soluboard® is tested to IPC standards and has a flame retardancy rating equivalent to UL94 V0.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with conventional alternatives, with significant cost savings in sustainable materials).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of natural fibers, water-soluble polymers, and halogen-free flame retardants.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, Soluboard® can be dissolved in hot water for material recovery and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and local production. Soluboard® has a 60% lower carbon footprint compared to traditional PCB laminates.
Key Takeaway
Jiva Materials transforms the electronics industry through Soluboard®, a pioneering, fully recyclable PCB laminate, setting a benchmark for circularity and environmental responsibility.
Explore Further
Jiva Materials website: https://www.jivamaterials.com
Sustainability overview: https://www.jivamaterials.com/technology