Completing the Circle Whereas a linear economic model turns raw materials into a valuable good , then disposes of said good when its life cycle ends ( the value of an iPhone drops from around a thousand dollars to essentially $ 0 when it breaks ), a circular economic model creates cascading levels of value as the good receives “ at least a second , if not a third or fourth or fifth life ,” Gomarsall explains , “ following the initial usage phase , with it being refurbished and used again , perhaps by the same organisation as before , or resold on the open market and used by another organisation .”
He reflects that , “ A more accountable and circular data centre economy model ensures assets are being responsibly reclaimed , refurbished , resold and reused much closer to home and , at the end of life , ethically and responsibly disposed and recycled by licensed operators .” The result isn ’ t just the much-needed decarbonisation of the data centre supply chain ; potential benefits range from job creation and reduced supply chain issues to a healthier bottom line for data centre operators , as initial capital expenditures are recouped by selling still-functional , refurbished hardware to smaller operators . datacentremagazine . com 71