How to measure emissions from Computers

What counts as Computers

Computers covers general computer equipment purchases — desktops, laptops and related hardware — reported using average factors, for use when the specific device model isn't known or when only spend-level data is available. It's reported under Scope 3 Category 1, and functions as the broad, entry-level companion to the more detailed device-specific entries held under Information technology.

Computers deliberately holds only average, model-agnostic factors, making it the right choice when procurement data says "20 laptops purchased" without a brand or model, or when finance records only show computer equipment spend for the year. Where you can identify the specific device — a particular laptop, tablet or smartphone model — Information technology holds dedicated, more accurate entries for many common products, and using it instead will improve your result without any extra data collection if the model is already recorded somewhere in your systems. This category exists because not every organisation has, or needs, an IT asset register with model-level detail; a general "computers" average is a legitimate and commonly used entry point for smaller purchases or organisations early in their measurement journey. As your asset tracking matures, moving purchases from this generic category into device-specific Information technology entries is a natural next step for improving accuracy.

What activity data you need

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

• kg
• tonne
• £ Spend
• $ Spend

Which emission scope it falls under

Computers activity data typically maps to Scope 3 Category 1 under the GHG Protocol. Confirm organisational boundary and ownership before reporting.

Sub-types available in the platform

All 4 sub-types available in the platform.

• Desktop
• Laptop
• Tablet
• Monitor

Common questions

When should I use Computers instead of Information technology?

Use Computers when you know a general purchase happened — for example, a number of laptops or desktops — but don't have the specific brand or model. If you can identify the device, Information technology's model-specific entries will give a more accurate result.

Is a spend-based Computers figure good enough for reporting?

It's a valid starting point, particularly for smaller organisations, but spend-based data sits lower in the data hierarchy than unit counts or weight, so treat it as a baseline to refine with better data over time.

Do refurbished or second-hand computers get a different factor here?

The generic Computers average is intended for standard new equipment; if you specifically buy refurbished devices, check whether Information technology's refurbished subtypes apply instead, since reused hardware carries a different embodied footprint.

We lease our computer fleet rather than buying it outright — does that change anything?

The activity data need is the same — units purchased or placed into service during the reporting period — regardless of whether you own or lease the equipment, so use your lease schedule as the data source instead of a purchase invoice.

Does this category include monitors, keyboards and other peripherals?

Core computer units (desktops and laptops) are the focus here; peripherals like monitors are tracked as their own entry under Information technology, so keep them separate if your data allows it.