Sustainability Assessment of Fairphone's Modular Design

This case study analyzes the sustainability of mobile devices, focusing on the Fairphone's modular design concept. It discusses the environmental impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices, which contribute to approximately 20% of global energy consumption, with smartphones being significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. The study employs the Ansys Granta EduPack software and its EcoAudit Tool to evaluate a Bill of Materials for a Fairphone proxy. It compares the environmental performance of the Fairphone with standard mobile devices over a 10-year period, assessing factors such as material preparation, manufacture, use, and end-of-life processes. The analysis highlights the advantages of modular design in enhancing device longevity and repairability, potentially reducing greenhouse emissions by up to 45% compared to conventional smartphones. The case study also addresses challenges in creating a representative Bill of Materials and the importance of lifecycle assessments in evaluating sustainability.