Sustainable EdTech: Making Our Devices Work Harder and Last Longer

Technology plays an increasingly important role in education, but as schools continue to invest in digital devices, sustainability must become a central consideration in purchasing and technology planning.

With stretched school budgets and growing environmental concerns, the traditional cycle of purchasing, using and replacing devices deserves closer scrutiny.

Could the most sustainable device be the one a school already owns?

Extending the lifespan of existing technology offers both financial and environmental benefits. Rather than automatically replacing devices after a fixed period, schools should consider how maintenance, repairs, upgrades and responsible management can maximise their investment.

Simple decisions can make a significant difference. Choosing repairable devices, considering refurbished equipment, maintaining software compatibility and ensuring appropriate recycling arrangements all contribute to a more sustainable approach.

However, sustainability is about more than the devices themselves.

Schools should also consider how technology is deployed, whether equipment is being used effectively and whether purchasing decisions genuinely support teaching and learning.

A device that sits unused in a cupboard represents wasted resources, regardless of its environmental credentials.

This requires a strategic approach involving school leaders, IT teams, teachers and those responsible for procurement and finance.

At NAACE, we encourage schools to consider sustainability as part of their wider digital strategy, balancing educational impact, financial responsibility and environmental considerations.

Our Educational Review Framework (ERF) supports schools in evaluating how effectively technology is planned, managed and embedded across their organisation.

Sustainable education technology isn't about having the newest devices. It's about making informed decisions that deliver lasting value for learners, schools and the environment.