Sustainability in IT: Second-Hand Licenses Help the Environment

Introduction

In today’s business world, sustainability in IT has become a strategic priority. Organizations are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing efficiency or technological innovation. The question, then, is: how can the IT department make a tangible contribution to corporate sustainability? There are many initiatives (from energy efficiency in data centers to device recycling), and one of them, sometimes underestimated, is reviewing how we acquire and use software. In this context, a powerful idea emerges: aligning technology and sustainability through responsible practices in software and hardware usage. A concrete example is choosing second-hand software, especially the purchase of second-hand software licenses, as a measure that benefits both business and the planet.

The tech sector, although seemingly digital and intangible, has a very real environmental footprint. From device manufacturing to the energy consumed by data centers, information technologies contribute approximately 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, they generate electronic waste at an alarming rate: in 2019, over 53 million tons of e-waste were produced globally, and it's estimated that by 2030 that annual figure will reach 74 million tons. These numbers highlight the urgent need to adopt more sustainable IT practices to curb the environmental impact.

In the face of these challenges, technological sustainability proposes a shift in mindset: applying the principles of sustainable development to the tech sector. This means seeking a balance between digital progress and environmental care, ensuring that technology meets current needs without compromising future resources. In the following sections, we’ll explain in more detail what technological sustainability is and how a seemingly simple action—like reusing software licenses—can make a positive difference. We’ll also explore examples and data that justify why buying second-hand licenses helps the environment, analyze the software lifecycle within the circular economy, and mention existing market solutions (such as the Licendi store) that support this practice.

What Is Technological Sustainability in the IT Sector?

Technological sustainability refers to integrating environmental considerations into the development, use, and disposal of technology. In the IT sector, this means adopting methods and tools that minimize ecological impact throughout the entire lifecycle of information systems. Put simply, it means using technology in a way that is responsible toward the planet.

A related concept is green IT or sustainable computing. According to the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), sustainable IT covers the entire technology lifecycle: using, manufacturing, managing, and disposing of equipment and software in an environmentally friendly way. This includes everything from designing devices with recyclable materials, using renewable energy in data centers, to ensuring proper management of electronic waste. The core goal is to reduce negative environmental impact and maximize energy efficiency without affecting business productivity.

In practice, technological sustainability in IT is reflected in several concrete actions:

Energy efficiency: Optimizing electricity consumption of servers, computers, and other devices (e.g., configuring low-power modes, server virtualization, using more efficient algorithms).
Hardware lifecycle management: Extending the lifespan of computers, peripherals, and other equipment by repairing or upgrading them instead of replacing them prematurely. It also involves properly recycling materials at the end of their useful life.
Sustainable software development: Creating applications and systems that require fewer processing resources and extend the usefulness of existing hardware, rather than unnecessarily demanding software.
Responsible technology acquisition: This is where the central topic of this blog comes in: considering alternatives such as second-hand software (reusing existing licenses) before purchasing new licenses or systems, as long as it's feasible and legal.

In short, technological sustainability means that every IT decision (from which computer to buy to what software to install) takes its environmental impact into account. But how does this connect with second-hand software licenses? To understand this, we first need to analyze the software lifecycle and the logic of the circular economy in the tech industry.

The Software Lifecycle and the Circular Economy

When we think about the lifecycle of a product, we usually picture physical goods, but software also has its own lifecycle with environmental implications. We can distinguish several stages in the software lifecycle:

Development and production: This includes programming, testing, and preparing the software for launch. Even though software is intangible, this phase involves resource consumption (energy to power developers’ computers and servers, infrastructure of software companies, etc.). There is also a physical footprint when software is distributed via DVDs or packages, although today most distribution is digital.
Distribution and installation: In the past, distribution meant manufacturing discs or installation devices and transporting them, which involved material use (plastic, paper manuals, packaging) and emissions from transport. Today, digital distribution has reduced these impacts, but not eliminated them entirely: files are hosted in data centers (which consume electricity), and downloading them requires network and device energy.
Use or operation: This is the longest phase, when the user or company uses the software in daily operations. The environmental impact here is tied to the hardware running the software (energy consumption, need for greater computing power, etc.). Well-optimized software can extend hardware lifespan, while increasingly heavy software may force its renewal. We’ll come back to this point later.
End of life (retirement or upgrade): This happens when the software becomes obsolete, is no longer used, or is replaced by a newer version. In a typical linear model, this stage would simply involve discarding the old license (no longer using it) and acquiring a new one, thus restarting the cycle at stage 1 for a new product.

Reuse for a Sustainable Future

The circular economy offers a different approach to the lifecycle, seeking to close the loop to make the most of every resource. Instead of the linear economy of “take, make, dispose,” the circular economy is based on reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling products as many times as possible. The goal is to create a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and reduces the need for new resources, thereby mitigating environmental impact. The circular economy, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, is based on three fundamental principles: eliminate waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use (circulating them at their highest possible value), and regenerate natural systems. These ideas serve as a guide to rethinking the tech industry in a sustainable way.

Applied to software, the circular model makes sense in the following way: since software doesn’t wear out with use (unlike physical objects that break down or deteriorate), it’s possible to continue using the same software for longer as long as it serves its purpose. Many times, companies switch software not because the old one stopped working, but because a new or different version enters the market. Yet, the previous version can still be perfectly valid for other users or companies with similar needs.

This is where the concept of second-hand software licenses comes into play within the circular economy. It’s about reusing a license that one company no longer needs by transferring it to another organization that can still use it. This way, the useful life of the software is extended beyond its first owner. Instead of being “left in a digital drawer,” that license continues to generate value and avoids the need to produce (or sell) a brand-new license. In other words, every time we reuse existing software, we avoid new resource consumption associated with producing another unit of software (e.g., the resources invested in developing, packaging, and distributing a new license).

The circular economy in software also has a very important side effect: it helps prolong the life of hardware. That’s because upgrading software often comes with upgrading devices. If a company decides to move to a new version of an operating system or a resource-heavy application, it may need to buy more powerful computers to run the new software properly. On the other hand, if it can continue using the previous version through second-hand licenses, it can keep its current equipment for longer without sacrificing performance. This synchronization between software and hardware is crucial for sustainability: hardware and software are interconnected, and coordinating their renewal cycles can significantly reduce waste and emissions.

Let’s take a closer look at how buying second-hand software translates into concrete environmental benefits.

How Buying Second-Hand Licenses Reduces Environmental Impact

Choosing second-hand software licenses is not only a smart economic decision but also a practice aligned with IT sustainability. Below, we analyze the main ways in which this choice contributes to protecting the environment, supported by data and examples:

Extending the Useful Life of Software (and Hardware)

When an organization purchases a used license, it is extending the useful life of that software. This delays the need to manufacture or distribute a new license. As mentioned earlier, technology is often discarded while still functional. Reusing a program allows it to remain in operation where it's needed. An immediate effect of this is the extension of hardware renewal cycles. For example, if a company installs slightly older but functional software on its computers, it can postpone the purchase of new machines. Studies have shown that manufacturing a single laptop can generate around 250 to 300 kg of CO₂. That amount, emitted during production, is often greater than all the emissions the laptop will generate from electricity use during its life cycle. Therefore, every extra year we keep a PC in active use instead of replacing it results in significant emissions savings and less electronic waste.

Here’s an illustrative example: Windows 10, compared to Windows 95 from two decades ago, requires roughly 40 times more processing power, 250 times more RAM, and 320 times more disk space. This increasing demand for resources in modern software explains why many businesses renew hardware so frequently. However, not all business tasks require the latest generation software. If a given job role can be performed using a previous (lighter) software version, using a second-hand license of that version allows the existing hardware to remain in use without loss of productivity. In short, buying used software breaks the cycle of needing new hardware with each software update, which reduces electronic waste and preserves valuable resources. Even the European Environment Agency emphasizes that extending the life and delaying the obsolescence of electronic devices significantly reduces their environmental impact. This message also applies to software: extending the lifespan of existing tools is good for the planet.

Reduction of Electronic Waste

Electronic waste is a growing global concern, with millions of electronic devices discarded every year. While hardware receives most of the attention, software also plays a role in this problem. When companies upgrade their software, they often replace hardware at the same time. By purchasing second-hand software, companies can delay hardware upgrades, thereby reducing electronic waste. The global data already mentioned is clear: if we don’t change course, by 2030 we’ll be discarding 74 million tons of e-waste annually. Currently, only 17% of electronic waste is properly recycled, so the best strategy is to generate less waste from the outset. By slowing the need to constantly replace equipment, second-hand software helps reduce the number of discarded electronic devices. The average person generates around 6–7 kg of e-waste per year; multiplied by hundreds or thousands of employees, the impact of extending device lifespans is substantial.

In addition, many companies now include indicators in their corporate social responsibility reports about how many devices they recycle or how long they extend their use. Adopting used licenses can be a simple strategy to improve these metrics, showing that existing tech assets are being used to their fullest instead of being discarded prematurely.

Saving Resources and Energy in Software Production

Although “manufacturing” software doesn’t require mines or refineries like hardware does, it still involves considerable energy use. Servers hosting downloads, cloud infrastructures that support software as a service, and even the creation of physical copies (in the case of software still sold on DVD or USB) all consume resources. By reusing an existing license, we eliminate the need to repeat this entire process for a new user. Consider this: if a company acquires 50 Microsoft Office licenses second-hand instead of 50 new ones, it is making use of work already done. Microsoft (or a distributor) won’t need to generate new keys, make new shipments, or create new download packages for that customer—the same product keys that were already in circulation will be used. Of course, there may be online updates, but those would have applied to the original license anyway, so they don’t add extra burden.

In other words, the most eco-friendly product is the one that doesn’t need to be produced again. Reusing licenses fits this sustainability principle perfectly—just like reusing clothing or furniture avoids the impact of producing new items from scratch. An industry report notes that new software production (considering development and distribution) carries carbon emissions that can be avoided when software simply changes hands. Every license that moves from one user to another means energy and materials didn’t have to be invested again.

Supporting the Circular Economy in the IT Sector

By buying second-hand licenses, companies support a secondary market that promotes the circular economy in the software industry. In Europe, the concept of a circular economy has been backed by public policy for years, as it’s seen as essential for a sustainable future. Every used software transaction is one more step toward a model where digital assets are also recycled and reused—just like we do with paper, glass, or plastics. This helps raise awareness in the IT sector that resources—even intangible ones—must be maximized. A license can change hands several times during its useful life, much like a car or industrial machine.

It’s also worth noting that the second-hand software license market in the European Union grew following legal rulings in the early 2010s that confirmed the legality of this practice. Since then, thousands of organizations have included buying and selling used licenses as part of their software asset management. In addition to cost savings, they are achieving environmental benefits. Many companies highlight these efforts in their sustainability reports, noting that by reusing software licenses they avoid waste and contribute to a more circular and efficient model. Ultimately, they are participating in a corporate culture more aligned with the circular economy goals promoted at the European level.

Lower Corporate Carbon Footprint

Summing everything up, the final consequence is a reduction in the carbon footprint associated with IT operations. Every device not manufactured or used two years longer, every software package not distributed from scratch, and every kilogram of e-waste avoided means fewer greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere. For example, if your company extends the computer renewal cycle from 4 to 6 years thanks to older software still being usable via second-hand licenses, that decision could mean dozens of tons of CO₂ avoided in new device manufacturing. The impact can be significant: if a company with 500 laptops manages to postpone all their replacement thanks to reused software, it would be avoiding the manufacturing of 500 new devices. Given that each laptop involves around 250 kg of CO₂ emissions, that decision would mean approximately 125,000 kg of CO₂ (125 tons) not emitted. For perspective, that’s roughly equivalent to the annual emissions of dozens of private vehicles. Thus, Green IT initiatives like this help organizations move closer to their carbon reduction goals.

In summary, buying second-hand software offers multiple environmental benefits:

Extends the life of tech products, reducing the need to produce new goods.
Generates less electronic waste by avoiding accelerated device renewal.
Saves energy and material resources in the creation and distribution of additional software.
Supports the circular economy, showing the tech sector’s commitment to sustainable models.
Reduces the carbon footprint of IT operations, contributing to global climate goals.

All this also comes with a valuable additional benefit: economic savings. Used licenses often cost significantly less than new ones, allowing companies to be sustainable without incurring extra expenses—and even generating savings in IT budgets.

Guaranteed Second-Hand Software Licenses: The Case of Licendi

A common concern when discussing second-hand software is how to ensure its legality and proper functionality. Fortunately, specialized companies have emerged in the market to manage these licenses in a secure and reliable way. Licendi is a clear example of a store that offers second-hand licenses at competitive prices with a guaranteed activation. This means that the licenses they sell have been verified and meet the legal conditions for transfer, so the buyer can activate and use them without issues—just like new. Licendi provides buyers with the necessary documentation (such as certificates of authenticity and transfer proof), ensuring full traceability of the license. This way, customers know they’re not purchasing a pirated or illegal copy, but a legitimate product with support and updates equivalent to the original software. The difference between a legal second-hand license and an unauthorized copy is significant: the legal license has legal and technical backing, while pirated copies may fail activation or even pose malware risks. With providers like Licendi, companies avoid those risks and benefit from the mentioned activation guarantee—that is, the assurance that the key will work and pass the manufacturer’s official verification.

Stores like Licendi make it easier for companies to adopt this sustainable practice. These specialized businesses simplify the entire process: instead of searching individually for used license sellers, the customer can browse an organized catalog by software type (operating systems, office suites, server software, etc.) and choose what they need at a lower cost. Licendi stands out by offering guidance and support, ensuring a transparent transition to reused software. With an activation guarantee, purchasing organizations have peace of mind that the product will function properly and that they are complying with legal requirements (remember that in the EU, software resale is permitted as long as it is uninstalled from the original user and the usage rights are transferred).

For companies and IT managers, turning to certified providers like Licendi is a practical way to implement technological sustainability. They’re not only reducing licensing costs but also contributing to their environmental responsibility goals. Every second-hand license of Windows, Office, or other software is an example of how technology can align with sustainability in a tangible way.

Recommendations for Adopting Second-Hand Software in IT

If your company is considering incorporating used licenses as part of its sustainable IT strategy, here are some tips to help ensure a successful process:

Buy from trusted sources: Always choose well-established and reputable vendors in the second-hand software market. These providers (like Licendi, mentioned above, or similar) verify licenses and ensure they are legitimate. Avoid questionable offers where the license origin is unclear.
Request documentation and guarantees: Make sure to receive written legal documentation of the license transfer (certificates of authenticity, assignment contracts, detailed invoice, etc.). This provides protection in case of audits and confirms the license meets legal requirements.
Check compatibility and support: Before purchasing a used license, ensure that the software version is compatible with your current systems and needs. Check whether the manufacturer still provides security updates or patches for that version. Even if the software is older, it’s important that it can operate securely in your environment.
Integrate the practice into IT policy: Include the reuse of software in your internal IT procurement policies and in the company's CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) goals. Track the results (cost savings, waste reduction, etc.) to communicate the benefits internally and in sustainability reports.

By following these recommendations, the transition to using second-hand software licenses will be smoother, more secure, and aligned with your organization's operational and environmental goals.

Conclusion

IT sustainability is no longer an abstract concept or a distant goal—it’s a current necessity for companies that want to remain competitive and responsible. We’ve explored what technological sustainability is and how it involves rethinking the relationship between our digital tools and the environment. In this journey, every initiative counts, and buying second-hand software emerges as a smart, accessible, and effective solution.

Integrating second-hand licenses into an organization’s IT strategy helps connect technology with sustainability in a direct way: it reduces electronic waste, makes better use of previously invested resources, and supports a more circular economy in the tech sector. It also achieves this without compromising productivity or innovation—and even results in savings for IT budgets.

Ultimately, choosing used licenses is an example of technological sustainability in practice: making informed decisions that benefit both the company (in cost, flexibility, and green goals) and the planet (through lower environmental impact). As IT managers or company leaders, it’s worth considering this approach in your software purchasing and renewal policies. Moreover, current regulations increasingly demand environmental commitment—for example, the European Union encourages companies to report on their sustainability performance (via directives like the CSRD). Concrete actions like software reuse can be included in these reports, demonstrating your commitment to the circular economy and emissions reduction in the digital sphere. The environment will thank you for every small action—and together, those actions make a real difference.