When choosing sustainable building technologies, energy savings typically play a central role. Nevertheless, it is also important to consider the full picture — including so-called grey emissions: the hidden CO₂ emissions resulting from the production, transport and disposal of the hardware used.This article outlines how the grey emissions from hardware compare to the energy savings achieved with viboo.‍

Understanding gray emissions: The hardware CO₂ backpack

Grey emissions describe the CO₂ emissions that occur in the upstream processes of a product. viboo uses smart thermostats, sensors and gateways. These naturally cause emissions. Based on technical documentation and our own research, the following picture emerges:

• CO2 footprint of a thermostat: approx. 3-4 kg CO₂e

• CO₂ footprint of a complete installation unit (including gateway and sensors): approx. 6 kg CO₂e

• Assumed CO₂ intensity of heating energy: 0.1 kg CO₂e/kWh

• Offsetting hardware emissions with Viboo: approx. 0.08 years (1 month); including batteries: approx. 2 months

As a result, the hardware's CO2 footprint usually pays off after just a few weeks of operation. In many cases, the actual CO₂ intensity of heating energy is likely to exceed 0.1 kg/kWh, which further shortens the payback period.

The values mentioned are based on conservatively interpreted manufacturer data, technical environmental declarations and research on material composition and average emission values in electronics production.

Environmental standards among hardware partners

Viboo selects hardware partners specifically according to environmental standards. The relevant criteria include:

• REACH and RoHS compliance

• ISO 14001 certified environmental management systems

• Compliance with the WEEE Directive (readability and recyclability)

In addition, many of the devices used rely on durability (e.g. 10-year battery life) or on energy harvesting to save resources. The installation is carried out without structural intervention, which prevents further emissions.

‍

Conclusion: Lasting effect with low initial costs

The CO₂ emissions of the hardware used are quantified, conservatively estimated and are in favourable proportion to the savings effect. viboo achieves a positive climate impact after just a short period of time.

The components used meet high environmental standards and support ESG-oriented use in existing buildings with measurable impact.

‍

Would you like to know how Viboo can also save CO₂ in your existing buildings? Contact us here for a non-binding assessment of your savings potential.