How to measure emissions from Use of sold products: Information technology

What counts as Use of sold products: Information technology

Energy consumed by IT hardware the organisation sells - such as routers or network equipment - during the product's use phase with the end customer. Reported by unit count sold and, where available, device-level lifetime energy use (kWh) matched to the specific product model.

A more specific version of 'Use of sold products' for IT hardware, where the platform holds device-level lifetime-use factors for named router and gateway models rather than a generic electricity-use estimate. Distinct from 'Downstream leased assets: Information technology' (Category 13, equipment the organisation retains ownership of and leases out) - this page is for hardware sold outright, where ownership transfers to the customer.

What activity data you need

Collect the most specific physical unit available. Unit definitions are in Appendix I — Description of Units.

• Unit
• kWh

Which emission scope it falls under

Use of sold products: Information technology activity data typically maps to Scope 3 Category 11 under the GHG Protocol. Confirm organisational boundary and ownership before reporting.

Sub-types available in the platform

All 3 sub-types available in the platform.

• Router: Sagemcom: Broadband SAS: Lifetime use
• Router: Technicolor: Access Gateway (DGA0122GOM): Lifetime use
• Router: Technicolor: Access Gateway (TG789VAC): Lifetime use

Common questions

How is this different from IT equipment we lease out rather than sell?

Leased equipment you still own belongs on 'Downstream leased assets: Information technology' (Category 13). This page is for hardware sold outright, where ownership transfers to the customer (Category 11).

What if our specific device model isn't in the platform's list?

Use the closest comparable device from the available subtypes, or fall back to the generic 'Use of sold products' electricity-based approach if no comparable model fits well.

Does this cover only the device itself, or accessories too?

It covers the energy-using device itself; accessories without their own energy draw are better captured on a materials or product purchased-goods page rather than here.

Should refurbished or resold devices be counted separately from new sales?

Count all units sold in the reporting period regardless of refurbishment status, using the same device subtype - the use-phase energy draw is the same whether the unit is new or refurbished.

How does device lifetime affect the reported figure?

The platform's named device subtypes already reflect a lifetime-use assumption for that model, so you don't need to apply your own lifetime adjustment on top - just enter the unit count sold.