The annual life cycle burden of a computer is 5,600 MJ. Because only 34% of the desktop's life cycle energy consumption occurs during the use phase, extending the lifetime of a computer could mitigate the energy burden of the production and disposal phases.
The need for global solutions to environmental, social, and economic challenges is greater than ever. The Center for Sustainable Systems, within the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan, leads interdisciplinary research to support the design, assessment, and management of systems that meet societal needs in a more sustainable manner.


