Not logged in.

Contribution Details

Type Conference or Workshop Paper
Scope Discipline-based scholarship
Published in Proceedings Yes
Title Lifetime extension of mobile internet-enabled devices: measures, challenges and environmental implications
Organization Unit
Authors
  • Jan Bieser
  • Linda Burkhalter
  • Lorenz Hilty
  • Basil Fuchs
  • Yann Blumer
Presentation Type paper
Item Subtype Original Work
Refereed Yes
Status Published in final form
Language
  • English
Event Title 4th Conference on Product Lifetimes and the Environment (PLATE)
Event Type conference
Event Location Virtual Conference hosted in Limerick, IRL
Event Start Date May 26 - 2021
Event End Date May 28 - 2021
Place of Publication Limerick, IRL
Publisher University of Limerick Institutional Repository
Abstract Text Increasing the service lifetime of mobile Internet-enabled devices (MIEDs) such as smartphones, tablets and laptops is a promising strategy to reduce the number of devices that need to be produced and reduce environmental impacts associated with device production. A broad spectrum of lifetime-extending measures has been explored in literature and in industry practice. In this article, we present an overview of explored measures, discuss challenges in their implementation and environmental impacts of lifetime extension. We find that measures can be distinguished into measures aiming at (1) the improvement of the device design (e.g. modular or durable design of smartphones), (2) device retention (increasing the time a user keeps a device, e.g. by offering repair services or fostering emotional attachment to devices), and (3) recirculation (creating a second life with a different user and/or in a different context, e.g. by refurbishing and reselling devices). The implementation of measures is challenged by trade-offs faced by organizations in the MIED value chain, which specifically occur when revenues depend on the number of new devices produced and sold. Furthermore, measures are subject to rebound and induction effects (e.g. imperfect substitution, re-spending effects), which can compensate for the (theoretical) environmental gains from service lifetime extension. In particular, it is uncertain to what extent a measure actually leads to lifetime extension and eventually reduces primary production of devices (displacement rate). Thus, more systematic research is needed on the feasibility of measures and the conditions under which they effectively contribute to a net reduction of environmental impacts.
Free access at Official URL
Official URL https://ulir.ul.ie/handle/10344/10165
Other Identification Number merlin-id:21228
PDF File Download from ZORA
Export BibTeX
EP3 XML (ZORA)