R2 NEWSLETTER: FEBRUARY 2024

In January, SERI announced the launch of a new conference called the Electronics Sustainability Summit, to be held October 22-24, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency in Austin, Texas. This was made possible after
acquiring the E-Reuse Conference. While we intend to retain the things that made the E-Reuse Conference so special, the Electronics Sustainability Summit, or eSummit for short, will also expand the
networking, programming, and attendees to engage all stakeholders in the electronics lifecycle.

We’ve received some positive early response, but we also know some are wondering what this event will be like. Well, we are focused on expanding beyond the incredible achievements of the E-Reuse Conference,and we believe the name, Electronics Sustainability Summit, says a lot about where we’re headed.

ELECTRONICS

Electronics are a unifying force offering countless benefits to health, education, communication, entertainment, and much more. These technologies are integral to our daily lives, facilitating advancements and conveniences both at home and at work. Whether you are a manufacturer, designer or retailer, repair shop, refurbisher, service provider, PRO, recycler, policy maker, or sustainability, IT, or procurement pro, electronics will be the common thread that unites all participants of the eSummit,   regardless of business role or position in the value chain.

SUSTAINABILITY

While we all enjoy the benefits of technology, we must also be mindful of the environmental and social impacts associated with the electronics lifecycle. Addressing these challenges and making sustainable decisions is crucial to ensuring that our reliance on electronic devices contributes positively to society and the planet.

The eSummit embodies a mission to forge a sustainable future for electronics. This involves bringing together stakeholders from across the value chain with a focus on advancing commitments and solutions
toward sustainability in the electronics industry. This includes rethinking our approach to all stages of the lifecycle such as reducing electronic waste, extending the use of electronics, increasing recycling, and enhancing the design of more sustainable products. The eSummit is a platform for all industry stakeholders to unite in creating a more sustainable and responsible electronics ecosystem.

SUMMIT

And finally, the eSummit seeks to inspire change among thought leaders,decision-makers, and influencers through a comprehensive agenda encompassing learning, sharing, networking, and collaboration. While the E-Reuse Conference was recognized as the leading event for professionals in repair, refurbishment, and reuse within the electronics industry, the eSummit is expanding its reach. By inviting OEMs, IT asset managers,corporate sustainability experts, e-waste regulators, producer repsonsibility organizations, the recycling community and more, the eSummit fosters a broad dialogue and networking on collaborative
opportunities. These range from returns and warranty repairs to trade-ins, data centers, telecom services, mobile technologies, recycling initiatives and beyond. The inclusion of all electronics stakeholders enriches the dialogue, making the eSummit a pivotal event for advancing electronics sustainability.

BE A PART OF THE ELECTRONICS SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT

With registration set to open in April, we’re excited to announce a special pre-sale event for Exhibitors and Sponsors. SERI is offering limited pre-sale pricing to celebrate the launch of this new event,providing you with an opportunity to secure the best deals now.

 INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

ADDING SOLAR PANELS TO R2v3 DEMOSTRATES THE ADAPTABILITY OF THE
STANDARD’S DESIGN

Now that Appendix G-Photovoltaic Modules has been added to R2, we thought we’d take a moment to reflect on the process of developing the solar panel standard language and integrating it into the R2 Standard. We do so in a newly-published case study in the link below. The process we used follows ANSI Essential Requirements, which govern how we develop standards. Through this well-defined process, SERI relied on a balanced group of stakeholders to arrive at impactful yet achievable requirements
for handling PV modules.

We’ll do the same with our next big standard-development project: creating the ESG Reporting Standard for Electronics. By utilizing the knowledge of stakeholders from various segments of the industry – informed by public comments – we will produce a credible ESG reporting standard for the electronics value chain.

MORE GROWTH IN 2024

In Pennsylvania, there is a funny little tradition of a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil that tells us when to expect the beginning of spring.Phil predicted an early start this year, which has us thinking about
spring growth. Flowers are peeking out of the ground, buds are starting to show on the trees, and within SERI, there’s a whole lot of growth in these first few months of 2024 that we want to share with you.

First, while R2 remains at the heart and soul of our organization, SERI has been hard at work developing many new ways to support our mission.The new ESG Technical Advisory Committee (ESG TAC [5]) will have its first in-person meeting this March. We’ll also talk more about our plans for the inaugural eSummit, and launch our new SERI Champions Program, recognizing fellow Champions of ElectronicsSustainability
within the enterprise stakeholder group. R2U’s pilot program will go live this spring, and as a tease, we’re working behind the scenes on our ReThink Electronics program designed to bring consumers into electronics sustainability. Plus, we’re working in India [6], Australia, and New Zealand to support national electronics sustainability initiatives.

To accomplish all this great work, we’re also excited to announce some fabulous new additions to our SERI team! Please help us welcome Amanda LaGrange, our new COO; Jared Paben, R2 Writer; Isabel Benitez Rivera, Certifications Coordinator; Billy Dolan, Marketing Writer; Gina Bang,Business Assistant; and the newest staff hire, Julia Roth, Graphics Designer. This larger team means we can do even more to support R2 as well as the larger SERI mission. And let’s hope Phil is right about an early spring!

MEET THE NEW TEAM MEMBERS 

R2 TIP: STORAGE TIME LIMIT FOR HARVESTING COMPONENTS FOR FUTURE REPAIRS

R2 requires the reuse of electronics before recycling (Core 2), which sometimes means reusing the components instead of the entire device.

While R2 encourages the harvesting of parts to repair other devices, it does not allow for creating an electronics junkyard with the hope of one day scavenging for that part you need. R2 allows you to store untested or non-working equipment for up to one year. If you want to hold onto components for repair, then you must harvest and evaluate them for reuse and inventory each so you can manage the component inventory for repairing devices in the future (Core 5).

 THE POWER OF THE R2 KNOWLEDGE BASE

The R2 Knowledge Base [9] is filled with videos, implementation articles, podcasts, and more helpful resources, all built to support the R2 community through the R2 certification process.

RECENTLY ADDED TO THE KNOWLEDGE BASE

With the addition of Photovoltaic Modules (PV Modules) to the R2 Standard and R2 Equipment Categorization (REC) now complete, we’ve developed videos to help better understand the requirements.

 LEVEL 1 – INTENT OF APPENDIX G [10]

 LEVEL 2 – FUNDAMENTALS OF APPENDIX G [11]

Storage time limit for harvesting components for future repairs: [8] If an R2 facility holds onto whole, non-functioning, or untested electronic equipment in order to harvest components for future repairs, can the R2 facility keep this whole equipment for more than one year?

AVAILABLE R2v3 TRAINING CLASSES

NEW TO R2: INTRO TO R2 WEBINAR

If you want to learn more about R2, join us on our Intro to R2 Webinars. They are held 3-4 times per month and are offered to accommodate time zones on all continent

INTRO TO R2 SIGN UP  [12]

R2 AUDITOR TRAINING CLASSES

Looking for in-depth, online, and interactive training on R2v3? These classes are open to auditors, consultants, and facilities. We have arange of class schedules to accommodate different time zones, including Sydney, Australia, in May. Space is limited, so sign up for the class today!

 R2 AUDITOR SIGN UP  [13]

EVENTS:

CHAMPIONING ELECTRONICS SUSTAINABILITY AROUND THE WORLD

Each month, we let you know where we’re going and what conversations we’re having for two reasons. First, we hope you’ll catch up with us if you plan to be in the same places. But even more importantly, we want everyone to know how and where we are sharing our message, talking about electronics sustainability for a global circular economy and, in many cases, how R2 fits as a part of the puzzle. We see educating all the decision-makers to make better choice as a big part of the journey to electronics sustainability.

In February, Chief Provocateur Jeff Seibert joined a panel discussion at the RLA Annual Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, analyzing the best ways to balance security and sustainability with data storage. Chief ofGlobal Standards Mike Easterbrook provided insight on the new R2v3 Appendix G for Photovoltaic Modules and gave an update on the process of adding Appendix G to the R2 Standard during a webinar for EnergyBin Insights.

Where we’re headed next:

•  NREL PV Circularity Workshop, Denver, CO, March 3-6 [14] – Mike will participate on a panel about standards in the PV industry, talking about how the new R2v3 Appendix G will fit into the landscape.
• ISRI 2024, Las Vegas, NV, APRIL 15-18 [15] – The SERI team will be in Las Vegas discussing sustainability, the addition of PV modules to the R2 Standard, and the new SERI ESG Standard.
• IAITAM ACE, Las Vegas, NV, May 7-9 [16] – The SERI team will be networking with IT Asset Management professionals and discussing the benefits of R2.
•  CIRCULARITY, Chicago, IL, May 22-24 [17] – SERI will have a booth to promote R2 and Sustainable ITAD within the sustainability community.

 HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Let us know what questions you have or what resources you would find valuable. The SERI Team is here to help!

 CONTACT US

The R2 Update newsletter is a publication of SERI, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to create a world where electronic products are reused and recycled in a way that promotes resource preservation, the well-being of the natural environment, and the health and safety of workers and communities.