E-scrap certification program e-Stewards endorsed an environmental benefits calculator from Bloom ESG, a London-based advisory firm, that can be used to quantify avoided carbon emissions and other benefits of e-scrap recycling and reuse.
The calculator uses a “scientifically validated method,” according to a press release, that is ISO 14064-approved and independently verified by Earthood. Bloom developed the methodology with industry partners, including Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations, which has been testing the methodology for two years.
“While demand for reliable ESG reporting has increased, e-waste processors have been forced to rely on non-specialized tools without an industry-approved methodology,” e-Stewards and Bloom said in the release. “As a result, large corporations have struggled to incorporate accurate emissions data into their sustainability strategies.”
The calculator covers more than 80 electronic asset types, plus commodities such as base metals and critical minerals.
Daniel Puckett, e-Stewards business director, said in a written statement that “until now, our industry has understood the positive environmental benefit of ethical circularity, but quantifying these benefits has been a challenge.”
E-Stewards endorsed the methodology “as part of its commitment to fostering transparent, non-greenwashed environmental reporting,” the company said, and the calculator will be co-branded.
However, it’s available to all electronics recyclers and refurbishers, not just those that are e-Stewards-certified. The press release noted that the first 10 early adopters will get a discounted rate.
In a statement, CXtec CEO Todd Zegers said his company is among the early adopters: “Finally, our industry will have the missing link to individually show our worth to our customers and the world in terms of avoided emissions — the elusive Scope 4. We are in with both feet!”
In the future, the calculator will be updated with more metrics, such as water usage, toxic material consumption and overall toxicity footprint.
