HL section (paper 1)
Can digital technologies be used sustainably?
Many organizations claim that the most efficient use of information technology (IT)
equipment, such as laptops and printers, is to replace them on a regular basis. For example,
an organization’s strategy may be to do this every three year.
Other organizations purchase IT equipment that can easily be upgraded by increasing the
storage and memory or upgrading the processing capabilities only when required. They
claim they do not need to replace their IT equipment on such a regular basis and believe this
is a more sustainable practice.
Evaluate the sustainability of these two strategies. [12 marks]
Answer -
Introduction (2–3 sentences)
Sustainability in digital technologies involves reducing environmental harm while
maintaining performance and efficiency. This question contrasts two common IT strategies:
frequent equipment replacement and selective upgrading. Both approaches impact the
environment, economy, and stakeholders in different ways.
Main Body
Paragraph 1 – Real-life example of frequent replacement strategy
Many large corporations, such as investment banks and global consultancies, follow a three-
year replacement cycle for IT assets like laptops and servers. They argue this ensures optimal
performance, security, and compatibility with evolving software systems. For instance, JP
Morgan reportedly replaces employee laptops every three years to avoid system slowdowns
and cybersecurity threats.
Digital Society Concepts: This strategy relates to the system concept, showing how
organizations prioritize operational efficiency.
Context: Economically, it reduces downtime and increases productivity. However,
environmentally, it leads to increased e-waste, often disposed of in developing countries
under poor recycling practices.
Stakeholder Viewpoints:
• IT Managers support this approach for ensuring business continuity.
• Environmental advocates criticize the waste it generates and call for better circular
economy models.
Counterargument: Despite high costs and waste, supporters claim the energy
efficiency of new devices offsets the environmental burden.
Paragraph 2 – Real-life example of upgrade-based strategy
In contrast, organizations like Fairphone promote modular hardware that can be upgraded
without replacing the entire device. Schools and non-profits often use this model by
upgrading RAM or SSDs in laptops rather than buying new ones. This practice aligns with a
values and ethics approach, emphasizing environmental stewardship and cost-efficiency.
Context:
• Environmental: Reduces electronic waste and conserves raw materials used in
manufacturing.
• Economic: Saves money over time, especially for budget-constrained institutions.
Stakeholder Viewpoints:
• Eco-conscious consumers and organizations see this as a practical, responsible
choice.
• Tech companies, however, may resist this approach due to reduced profits from
hardware sales.
Limitations: Modular upgrades may not keep up with all software or security
requirements, possibly creating performance gaps in the long term.
Paragraph 3 – Balanced comparison and evaluation
Each strategy reflects a trade-off between performance and sustainability. Frequent
replacement ensures optimal digital capability but creates significant environmental pressure.
The upgrade model is more sustainable but may limit innovation speed and software
compatibility over time. Systems thinking helps highlight these interdependencies –
environmental cost, user needs, economic goals, and social responsibility.
Conclusion (2–3 sentences)
While both strategies have valid points, upgrading when necessary appears more sustainable
in the long run, especially when supported by modular design and circular economy
principles. However, digital sustainability will be most effective when paired with smarter
software development, repair-friendly hardware, and strong global e-waste policies.
Proper answer
Sustainability in digital technologies means using devices and systems in ways that minimize
harm to the environment while maintaining effectiveness. This question explores two
common IT strategies: replacing equipment every few years versus upgrading only when
necessary. Both have different implications for sustainability and affect stakeholders in
unique ways.
Many large companies, especially in sectors like banking or consulting, follow a strict three-
year replacement cycle for laptops and other IT devices. For example, a firm like JP Morgan
upgrades employee devices regularly to maintain speed, reduce technical issues, and stay
ahead of cybersecurity threats. This strategy is efficient in terms of system performance but
comes with environmental consequences. Replacing devices frequently leads to more
electronic waste, and many discarded devices end up in landfills or are poorly recycled in
developing countries. From a systems perspective, this practice keeps businesses running
smoothly, but it overlooks the ethical responsibility to reduce environmental impact. IT
departments often support this model for its operational benefits, while environmental groups
criticize the long-term damage it causes.
On the other hand, some organizations and companies adopt a more sustainable approach by
upgrading components rather than replacing entire devices. For instance, Fairphone and
several educational institutions promote modular devices that allow memory, storage, or
processors to be upgraded when needed. This practice significantly reduces e-waste and
lowers the demand for raw materials, which are often mined under harmful conditions.
This strategy aligns well with the digital society concept of values and ethics, promoting
environmental responsibility and long-term use. It also fits within economic contexts, as it
saves money over time—an important factor for schools and non-profits. However, tech
companies that rely on frequent sales may not fully support this model, as it affects profits.
Additionally, upgraded devices may not always match the performance of the latest models,
which could affect certain users or organizations.
While both approaches offer valid advantages, the upgrading model shows greater long-term
sustainability. It respects environmental limits and supports ethical use of digital
technologies, although it may require trade-offs in terms of performance or compatibility.
The replacement model meets short-term business needs but increases global waste and
resource consumption.
Overall, digital technologies can be used sustainably if organizations adopt thoughtful
strategies that balance performance with environmental and ethical concerns. The upgrade-
when-needed approach presents a stronger case for long-term sustainability, especially when
supported by responsible design, better recycling systems, and smarter purchasing decisions.
