AN INTERMEDIARY YOU CAN TRUST

Technologies

One platform to manage Scope 3 emissions for electronics and electricals

The fight against climate change is multidimensional, and technology emerges as a crucial ally. Technological advancements such as electric and hybrid vehicles, smart thermostats, energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and harnessing renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro undeniably underpin solutions to combat climate change.

However, in our race against time to stave off catastrophic climate change, the swift adoption of these technologies can sometimes overshadow their inherent drawbacks. If we don't concurrently develop sustainable mining and manufacturing practices, and devise strategies for recycling or replacing the critical minerals they rely on, we are inviting an escalated level of risk. In essence, the very act of producing these green solutions can paradoxically spawn cycles of pollution and even provoke geopolitical conflicts.

The extraction of critical minerals brings a host of environmental issues including deforestation, and air, water, and soil pollution. To put this into context, the mining process typically commences by clearing large areas of forested land to pave the way for extraction operations. During extraction, harmful substances such as methane and particulate matter are released into the atmosphere. Once extraction is complete, we're left with toxic waste, commonly referred to as tailings. If not managed appropriately, these tailings can leach dangerous substances like mercury, arsenic, and sulfuric acid into local groundwater, rivers, and lakes. Finally, the infiltration of heavy metals into the soil can disrupt its nutrient balance, leading to the loss of fertile land.

Moreover, manufacturing processes crucial to these technologies, particularly within the semiconductor industry, often contribute to the emission of potent greenhouse gases. Procedures such as etching, chamber cleaning, and deposition can release greenhouse gases including Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), like tetrafluoromethane (CF4) and hexafluoroethane (C2F6), Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6), Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3). These gases present a significant environmental hazard due to their extended atmospheric lifetimes and remarkably high global warming potentials.

Beyond the environmental ramifications, the geopolitical dynamics introduce another layer of complexity. The supply of these critical minerals is limited and controlled by a small number of countries, leading to potential conflicts over control and access. In an attempt to secure these resources, companies may relocate operations to countries with lenient environmental regulations, thereby amplifying the negative environmental impacts. These countries often lack the required infrastructure to uphold environmentally safe mining practices, including sufficient water supply, water treatment systems, air emission controls, and waste management.

At MobiCycle, we're prepared to help you adopt technologies in a way that not only makes you aware of these impacts, but also enables you to report your supply chain emissions in a transparent manner that encourages meaningful action.

Electronics & Electricals Management (AI)

Reporting hinges on data, which can often be scarce or questionable in quality or verifiability. To overcome this challenge, we leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI). Our advanced algorithms tirelessly sift through the data, identifying patterns, making predictions, and deriving actionable insights that can guide strategic decision-making. The current climate challenges underline the crucial role AI plays in calculating emissions. Whether dissecting data sector by sector or analyzing it supplier by supplier, we inevitably face the 'data problem.' The collection, processing, and analysis of such expansive and intricate datasets can reveal gaps or superfluous data, posing a risk of misinformation or misinterpretation. At this juncture, where inadequate data and the potential for misunderstanding intersect, MobiCycle's expert consultants and AI's power combine to offer a solution. For more information, please visit: https://mobicycle.ai.

eWaste Tools (Digital & Hardware)

In addition, we provide digital tools and hardware solutions to manage your electronic waste effectively. When it's time to dispose of your electronics and electricals, our digital tools offer guidance for eWaste management. You can interact with our digital humans or metahumans, known as electronic advisors, for personalized assistance. If you prefer text-based responses, our eWaste directory is at your disposal. For a more immersive experience, our eWaste Media's virtual environments, known as the 'Metaverse,' offer visual context and guidance from the eAdvisor or eWaste Directory. Furthermore, consider our hardware solutions such as MobiBins, specialty waste bins, or our "Where are WEEE?" tracking system for tracking your eWaste. For further details, visit: https://ewaste.tools.

The MobiCycle difference

At MobiCycle, we recognize that businesses are dynamic. Companies evolve, leadership changes, strategies shift, and business requirements may outgrow the existing set of features or integrations provided by an off-the-shelf solution. That's where our strength lies. We don't solely rely on our technologists, which include machine learning engineers and software developers. Our team is multidisciplinary, comprising consultants, game developers, and marketers, all collaborating in sync.

4 reasons to focus on Scope 3 emissions

Our global dialogue around electronics primarily focuses on topics such as chip shortages and renewable energy, often overlooking more critical issues. While the reduction of carbon emissions is certainly an essential goal, our unwavering fixation on it has inadvertently sidelined other urgent concerns such as the leaching of toxic substances into the environment during the manufacturing and disposal of electronics. MobiCycle's approach is more nuanced. We address supplier emissions from the mining, manufacturing and retail stages of the product's lifecycle, for each product. This level of detail provides a more accurate depiction of a product's true environmental footprint.

  • Substantial Impact: Scope 3 emissions often account for up to 90% of overall emissions for organizations. However, less than 20% of suppliers currently disclose their Scope 3 emissions, indicating a critical need for improved transparency and reporting.
  • Electronic Waste Challenge: Electronic waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally. Despite this, global recycling rates remain relatively low, ranging between 5% to 15%. Addressing Scope 3 emissions is crucial for effectively managing and reducing electronic waste.
  • Comprehensive Perspective: Focusing solely on carbon dioxide emissions overlooks the significant impact of other potent greenhouse gases. Ignoring these gases can have severe consequences for the environment and climate.
  • Sustainable Mineral Extraction: Mining for critical minerals required for electronics production releases greenhouse gases, destroys local habitats, contributes to deforestation, pollutes soil and water and leads to conflict over land and resources. The concept of urban mining, reclaiming minerals from discarded electronics, offers a more sustainable approach to sourcing these minerals.

Calculating Emissions the MobiCycle Way

Tracking only the supply chain, which refers to the specific activities that create and build value in a product or service, such as design, production, marketing, and after-sales services, gives an incomplete picture of the carbon footprint. The supply chain, on the other hand, includes all activities from the extraction and processing of raw materials, transportation, manufacturing of the product, all the way through to the end consumer. By including the entire supply chain, companies can ensure they are considering all direct and indirect emissions related to their business.

In the language of greenhouse gas emissions, Scope 1 and 2 emissions often refer to those emissions that occur directly from a company’s operations or from the electricity they consume, which are often part of the supply chain. Scope 3 emissions, which are often much larger, include all other emissions that occur as a result of a company's activities but are produced from sources not owned or controlled by the company. This includes emissions from the extraction and production of purchased materials, transportation of purchased fuels, and the use of sold products and services. In other words, Scope 3 emissions encapsulate the emissions of the entire supply chain.

By tracking emissions across the supply chain, companies can identify where their greatest environmental impact lies and where they can most effectively take action. This can include choosing suppliers with lower emissions profiles, altering product designs, improving logistics, and engaging with consumers on responsible use and disposal. Companies may have significant influence over their supply chain partners, and therefore the ability to drive change at various stages of the supply chain.

Climate risk and the transition to a low-carbon economy can pose financial and operational risks to businesses. By understanding the emissions of the entire supply chain, companies can anticipate potential risks, such as regulatory changes, and take proactive steps to manage these.

Stakeholders, including investors, customers, and regulators, are increasingly demanding greater transparency around companies' environmental impacts. Tracking and reporting supply chain emissions can improve a company's reputation and can be a critical part of showing commitment to sustainability goals.

Overall, tracking emissions from the entire supply chain provides a more holistic view of a company's environmental impact and opportunities for reduction, which is crucial for any organization seeking to minimize its contributions to climate change.

MobiCycle is at the crossroads of Consulting, Technology, Gaming, and Marketing. When you hire our consultants, we ensure the collection of necessary data and provide a clear outline of your processes. In the technology sphere, we provide AI-enabled supply chain management solutions along with an extensive suite of digital tools and hardware designed for efficient eWaste management. Our gaming experiences not only entertain but also provide insight into real-world consequences of overlooking optimal environmental practices, serving as a powerful educational instrument.

Our marketing efforts complement your existing strategies, helping you celebrate your achievements and shine a light on your organization's dedication to responsible mining methods, cleaner manufacturing processes, and appropriate disposal and recycling techniques. The addition of marketing solutions to MobiCycle's portfolio underscores our commitment to raising awareness and inspiring action.

Get started today.

At MobiCycle, we empower organizations to harness the power of technology, data science, and collaborative endeavors to shape a sustainable future. Our vision is of an electronics industry that operates in symbiosis with the environment, significantly reducing its ecological footprint and safeguarding biodiversity for the generations to come.

If our vision resonates with you, we're ready to offer our support. We can help foster transparent dialogues with your suppliers, facilitating the acquisition of vital data, even when the discussions may prove difficult. The key to our collective longevity on this planet lies in incorporating the collection and reporting of accurate emissions data into daily operations across the entire supply chain.

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