Around 90 percent of the environmental burden of computers is connected with their production. The lifetime of a commercially used computer is often only around three years. On the other hand, many standard computer applications such as office programs haven’t been much improved in the last five years. For these reasons, the reuse of computers is ecologically and socially advantageous and favourable for reasons of efficiency.

An aim of the project is to establish and expand the reuse of computers. Networks of companies for repairing, maintaining and upgrading used equipment are to be built up in two regions, namely Hamburg and Berlin. The reuse project will deal with technical, organisational and legal questions. Obstacles in acceptance will be identified to find a way of overcoming them. The networks will be designed to make the reuse of computers attractive and to improve the whole service that is connected with this.

The status quo for computer reuse will be analysed for Hamburg, Berlin and several European Countries. Companies showing interest are to be offered the opportunity to be integrated in the reuse network. Rules and contracts for this co-operation, based on fair principles, will be developed. The practical reuse will begin in parallel to the build up of the network. Suppliers of used equipment will be integrated. Forms of practise for the work flow and co-operating transactions will be developed and tested. A marketing concept and a sales and distribution concept will be tested. A network for computer components will also be designed. The project team will seek solutions for software suitable for these reused computers. Qualification modules will be worked out for interested companies and users, and a logistic system will be designed. The different environmental impacts of new and reused computers will be compared, especially in terms of logistics. Ideas for new products built up from reuse computers will be worked out and tested.

The implementation of the local network system for reuse computers is to be accompanied by scientific research concerning the acceptance of the project and investigations about possible hindrances, conflicts and ways of co-operation and procedure. Network research is important because of prejudices against networking coming from small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). As a network supporting task to ensure durable economic success, it is necessary to elaborate practicable methods for quality guarantee and a quality management system (QMS). Furthermore, on an internet platform, network partners need to be capable of dealing with information and exchange. Combined with the long-term financial concept, the results of practical working are to lead to an independent, neutral and economically viable co-ordination centre - the nodal point of reuse networking.

As a result of the project, networks in Hamburg and Berlin will be established. Service and quality principles will contribute to an attractive offer for reuse computers. The resulting advantages for the network partners will be the basis of durable economic success of the networks. The networks will then contribute to the improvement of the local economy since local services will be required and more people will get access to the use of computers.

Project partners are: The Technische Universität Berlin for the build up of the network in Berlin, for ecological research and linux solutions, the i.p.f.Hamburg for the build up of the network in Hamburg, the KVA eG - Kreislauf- und Verwertungsagentur for research concerning the networks, the consulting company BfU for the development of rules for cooperation, the ARGUS - GmbH for the integration of suppliers of used PCs, the INU gGmbH, the Dr. Böhme Elektronik-Recycling GmbH and the Nutzmüll e.V. for the practical performance of reuse, the avacanto GmbH for software solutions, the GDW Nord eG for logistical questions and the ZEWU of the Handwerkskammer Hamburg for the development of qualification modules.