Enviro IT
Supporting students with affordable, sustainable technology.
Enviro IT is a partnership hosted at our Sustainability Hub, offering refurbished laptops to students at a reduced cost. Many of these devices are business-grade machines, originally purchased at a higher value, designed for durability and repairability. Through refurbishment, these laptops are made accessible to students who may face financial barriers to high-quality technology.
Supporting a circular economy
The scheme aligns with UWE Bristol’s broader approach to reducing waste and extending the life of materials and equipment. Rather than sending damaged laptops for recycling or disposal, devices are restored and returned to use. This supports the University’s circular economy goals by:
- reducing demand for new products and raw materials
- minimising electronic waste
- promoting reuse over recycling, in line with the waste hierarchy.
Student-led and university-hosted
Enviro IT started as a student project through UWE Bristol’s Team Entrepreneurship course. It continues to operate as a social and environmental initiative under the leadership of UWE Bristol graduate Sam Hodgson, who runs the scheme independently as a tenant of the Sustainability Hub.
Environmental impact
Reusing IT equipment has tangible environmental benefits. Manufacturing new laptops requires significant resources, including rare materials, energy, and water. By refurbishing and reusing existing devices, Enviro IT helps reduce resource demand and carbon emissions, contributing to a smaller environmental footprint for the university community.
Further information
Students interested in purchasing refurbished laptops can contact Enviro IT directly. Availability may vary throughout the year. Organisations interested in donating devices for reuse are encouraged to get in touch with Enviro IT to learn more about how laptops are assessed, processed and repurposed.
Contact Enviro IT