It has pledged to donate used devices to tackle digital exclusion and reduce e-waste through reuse and refurbishment
National Grid has become the UK’s first energy company to sign the government-backed IT Reuse for Good Charter, pledging to donate its old tech to help people affected by digital exclusion.
The charter enables businesses and public bodies to give unwanted laptops, tablets and smartphones a second life by refurbishing and gifting them to individuals who cannot afford or access digital equipment.
Around 1.5 million people in the UK still lack access to basic devices and Ofcom data shows 37% of offline households cite lack of equipment as a key barrier.
National Grid will securely wipe and refurbish devices before donating them, embedding this commitment into its long-term IT asset management.
Since 2022, its electricity distribution arm has donated 3,300 devices, preventing 2.7 tonnes of electronic waste and saving an estimated 360 tonnes of CO2e emissions — equal to what 16,352 trees would sequester in a year.
Komie Jain, National Grid’s Global Head of Social Impact and Engagement, said: “We are committing to reusing rather than disposing of devices to tackle digital exclusion and to reduce electronic waste. National Grid has been an early adopter of this approach and were part of the advisory group that helped develop the charter, so we are keen to see more companies sign up.”
The company partners with Good Things Foundation, which operates the National Device Bank, ensuring donated tech reaches those most in need via schools, libraries, care homes, mental health services and charities.
Recipients also benefit from digital skills training and donated mobile data, helping to address digital exclusion holistically by improving access, affordability and usability. National Grid says this initiative forms part of its broader social impact and sustainability goals.
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