60% of a new PC’s total life greenhouse gas emissions will have occurred before the user first turns the machine on.

In 2012, 60% of a new PC’s total life greenhouse gas emissions will have occurred before the user first turns the machine on.

Market Implications:

Due to the complex nature of PC production, 80% of the energy a PC consumes during its lifetime occurs during production and transport.

PC upgrading, which can delay the need to purchase new PCs, has long been suggested as an effective strategy for reducing the environmental impact.

In an environmentally ideal world, PCs would be more modular and robust, allowing them to be upgraded to extend life. Due to the obvious implications on demand, the industry has not pursued upgrading as a strategy. As usage-related CO2 emissions grow, PC manufacturers and vendors can expect pressure to deliver more modular, upgradable PCs.

How manufacturers, vendors and PC users will need to respond to this growing trend will be a focus of Gartner research during the coming year.