With greater demands for laptops and other hardware across all industries, educational establishments must embrace pre-used and refurbished devices in order to achieve the best value. Steve Dickinson, Head of Supply Chain at Espria, argues that education organisations should trust that Windows 11-ready, BSI-certified refurbished IT equipment can be an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to new devices.
In a recent survey of IT leaders from Microsoft, Dell and other sector leaders it was revealed that many believe a fifth of all laptops bought by enterprises will be pre-used, refurbished models by 2032. This estimate is attributed to an increased demand for sustainable devices due to squeezed budgets, as refurbished or remanufactured technology has become not just an option but a necessary means of reducing carbon footprints and hardware budgets.
Many of those surveyed also believe that the main barrier to the adoption of these more sustainable devices has been due to a previous lack of quality, however now that devices are available with two or three-year RTB warranties and BSI accreditations, this is no longer the case.
Whilst this trend for purchasing refurbished IT equipment has already been reported as a growth area among Managed Service Providers, the education sector could see the greatest benefits of this same-quality technology available on a budget. Educational budget cuts are a major concern for IT teams in the sector seeking the latest, up-to-date devices, which has led them to look for alternatives.
With diminishing funds across education, it’s about ensuring that the devices used meet the current use requirements of the student or teacher. There are many options, but ensuring schools and colleges get the best sustainable solution for their requirements takes some expertise, coupled with industry-leading guarantees. At Espria, we now only recommend refurbished Windows 11 Pro devices from HP, Dell and Lenovo, all configured to meet the challenges of delivering education. Keeping your IT running is vital for the consistent provision of learning opportunities, but migrating to sustainable IT can ensure future-proof devices without added costs.
Our attendance at the National Association of Headteachers Conference earlier this year highlighted to us that sourcing high-quality IT hardware is a concern for education IT operators, who face the increased pressure of tighter budgets. But meeting the minimum standards needed for laptops and other devices, is no longer a challenge for the refurbished options we offer.
Many refurbished equipment providers offer extended warranties with BSI accreditation and maintenance services that can provide educators with peace of mind. This shift in attitude towards refurbished IT equipment has been driven by several factors, including cost savings and environmental sustainability and the ability to offset these devices against carbon footprint.
The best standard of refurbished equipment will also focus on cosmetics as well, looking like new but still being a reused product. Providers understand that the reputation for education organisations extends to the technology being brought home, so aesthetics aren’t something to skip out on just because the product isn’t brand new. Component ageing is addressed by part replacement – sustainably sourced – and also ensuring that extensive functionality testing for responsiveness and full software resetting to factory conditions means that hardware providers can deliver a sustainably sourced high-quality product. With clear seller credentials, education organisations understand exactly what they’re paying for.
This shift in attitude is not unique to just education but has the potential to impact the sector the hardest. A high demand for bulk technology and hardware often leads to the biggest budgeting challenges, and this is especially true for education establishments. Especially in the weeks leading to the start of the back to school season, hardware sourcing that is quick and efficient is a massive priority.
With eco-conscious green targets rolling out across all industries, IT operators in education are faced with a need to go green without overspending. Between the cybersecurity challenges, ensuring communication channels are wholly operable and giving quality laptops and computer hardware to the departments and students that need them, the education sector is crying out for support.
At Espria, we aim to provide the best support to educators. Ensuring that legacy devices are removed and replaced with refurbished equipment is a massive priority for supporting schools, including the collection of old and delivery of new. To ensure that the education sector isn’t left behind as many industries transition to utilising pre-used devices, we want to lead the charge for supporting the sector, as ultimately, IT support is just one pillar when it comes to providing the best learning experiences in UK schools without sacrificing additional costs or adding to unsustainable consumption.
Carbon footprint credits can be a simple yet substantial way to track sustainability efforts, especially for education organisations. Offsetting your carbon credits with refurbished technology, especially for bulk as is needed across schools and academies, quickly adds up. Not only are organisations saving by choosing second-hand or pre-used technology, but the additional carbon credits through going green add an extra bonus for savings. This means more money in budgets, which can then be rolled into further sustainable technology investments or used to bolster additional departmental budgeting needs.
For 2025 and beyond, ensuring devices are secure and ready for the year ahead can be a pain point for IT operators who need to shore up security whilst providing durable technology before it’s too late. It’s also important to review WEEE policies and procedures to ensure the safe and secure disposal of legacy equipment – again something MSPs can help with. Many such devices can in turn go back into the system for refurbishment reducing waste still further.
To ensure the education sector is included as industries transition to utilising pre-used devices, MSPs must lead by example with IT support, taking charge in ultimately providing the best learning experiences across UK schools without sacrificing additional costs or adding to unsustainable consumption.