LGT and Reconome turn surplus IT into life-changing opportunities

LGT and Reconome’s Fitter Planet Fund ensures upgrades to the company’s IT equipment support sustainability goals and drive social change.

Challenges 

When global private bank LGT looked to replace their corporate technology, they wanted an opportunity to prevent e-waste, realising that the manufacturing of electronics contributes nearly 80% of a device’s lifetime greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. New IT also uses valuable – and finite – natural resources.

In light of their ambitious sustainability and CSR goals, LGT’s decision to repurpose surplus devices, in partnership with Reconome, was informed by a stark statistic: one third of the global population remains offline due to poverty and lack of infrastructure. 

Key partnership goals

High-impact outcomes: Responsible recycling of devices to reduce emissions and support large-scale redistribution to communities in need, to reduce digital poverty.

Transparency: Alignment with the UN SDGs and Net Zero targets; helping LGT reach their sustainability and charitable objectives. Traceability of the destination of repurposed devices.  

Data security: Private banks hold sensitive and complex data – this requires full safety and security when repurposing devices. Reconome utilises NIST-accredited data-wiping technology and collaborates with ADISA and ISO-certified facilities, ensuring top-tier security, privacy, and service standards.

Results

Reconome has developed a multi-year partnership with LGT – including co-creating the Fitter Planet Fund – to repurpose LGT’s surplus IT and donate devices to disadvantaged communities across the UK. 

Phase 1: Collecting devices from LGT through Reconome’s sustainable reuse programme.

“As a Trust, we cannot thank LGT enough for supporting us as we try to bridge the digital divide. These Chromebooks will enable our target school to enhance the profile of its support to its pupils and families by enabling these projects to take place.”

– Luigi Leccacorvi, Education Partner

Phase 2: Providing much-needed devices to young refugees and asylum seekers via charity partners.

“These tablets were warmly received. We have a very significant waiting list for tech because the digital exclusion problem in the refugee community is particularly acute and systemic. It can be difficult to imagine what it’s like to arrive in the UK with a young family speaking very little English. Thank you for supporting this community.”

– Charity Representative, Screen Share UK

Phase 3: The Fitter Planet Fund is currently focusing on overcoming digital vulnerability amongst domestic abuse survivors.

“Through this partnership, we are proud to be targeting positive social impact. Reconome provides detailed reporting on the real-world impact, and mitigation of environmental damage”

– Lucy Jones, Marketing Manager, LGT

If you would like to learn more about how you could deliver environmental and social impact with Reconome, contact rethink@recono.me.