INDUSTRY WATCH to supporting clients and partners in transitioning to more sustainable practices, reducing carbon footprints, and making environmentally responsible decisions. Additionally, we have introduced the‘ Partners for Net-Zero Carbon’ programme to engage our suppliers in achieving key sustainability goals. This initiative includes progress plans to manage our carbon footprint and expand the use of refurbished equipment.
What challenges do you foresee in repurposing and redeploying this equipment at La Poste sites, and how are you addressing them? can be effectively repurposed to enhance operational efficiency while minimising environmental impact.
In addition to dedicated projects with some of our customers, we have been implementing a‘ reverse supply chain’ process within our managed services business line for several years. In 2024, we collected 75 % of customer equipment at the end of its life cycle, during contract closures, or in replacement phases. This equipment is refurbished and either reused in other projects or repurposed as spare parts. The primary challenge in the circular economy lies in aligning business needs with the availability of refurbished equipment.
This is a large-scale operational project that demands careful management. From the start, we focused on ensuring the refurbished equipment integrates seamlessly with La Poste’ s existing infrastructure by tailoring the refurbishment process to their specific requirements. This project also involves significant logistical coordination to collect, refurbish and deploy the equipment across La Poste’ s sites. Additionally, rigorous inspection and testing is being conducted to guarantee the equipment’ s functionality and durability before deployment, ensuring it meets the highest standards.
Beyond La Poste, are there plans to replicate this model with other companies or public sector organisations to further extend the lifecycle of network equipment?
Our partnership with La Poste is one of the first large-scale initiatives of its kind, serving as a proof of concept that demonstrates how refurbished equipment
Sustainability is becoming a core priority for our customers, with approximately 20 % of procurement scoring now tied to sustainability and CSR goals. We’ re already working on broader initiatives on sustainability and the circular economy with our customers. For example, we partnered with the tool and home improvement company Leroy Merlin to implement a fleet of refurbished mobile phones for employees, reducing the carbon footprint associated with managing their mobile fleet.
How will this initiative contribute to the digitalisation and operational efficiency of La Poste’ s sites, and are there measurable targets for improvement?
Several thousand Wi-Fi terminals and other advanced telecom equipment used at the Olympic and Paralympic sites will be reused by La Poste at key locations in Paris and other local communities. This is approximately 90 % of the Wi-Fi terminals and 78 % of the switches from the Olympic sites. As a result, La Poste employees will benefit from enhanced connectivity, with the use of refurbished cutting-edge equipment. For instance, the Maison de l’ Innovation in Nantes, set to house over 800 IT professionals from La Poste, will benefit from this next-generation equipment.
These modern devices will improve the network’ s operational efficiency for La Poste employees, providing better connectivity and a high level of service both indoors and outdoors. The integration of this equipment will also play a crucial role in supporting digitalisation and new uses, facilitating smoother operations of IT tools and supporting La Poste’ s broader digitalisation efforts.
This project achieves a 90 % reduction in carbon footprint compared to rolling out similar new equipment. This reduction is accounted for in the Olympic Games’ CO 2 footprint for our services, which is globally estimated at 8.5 ktCO 2
. p
68 INTELLIGENTCIO EUROPE www. intelligentcio. com