What is the Netspring Project?
Welcome to the world of Netspring, a pioneering social enterprise dedicated to building Green IT Classrooms and reducing e-waste pollution. Netspring’s mission is clear: to create a sustainable business model that supports underprivileged children and protects the environment over the long haul. By refurbishing obsolete computers and turning them into valuable educational tools, Netspring bridges the gap between developed and under-developed areas, helping vulnerable groups such as poverty-stricken students and people with disabilities. Founded in 2012 in Hong Kong, Netspring emerged from a collaboration between the Shanghai Overseas Chinese Foundation and experts in innovative CSR, aiming to tackle the growing problem of e-waste while promoting digital literacy in rural Asia.
Main Benefits of Netspring’s Green IT Classrooms
The impact of Netspring’s work is impressive and measurable. Here are some key figures and facts that highlight the program’s success:
- Over 78,000 children have gained access to digital learning through the Green IT Classroom program.
- More than 150 volunteer activities have been organized, engaging communities and partners alike.
- Over 120 metric tons of e-waste have been properly dismantled or reused, preventing toxic pollution.
- Each refurbished PC saves an estimated 10,000 liters of water, according to the University of Surrey.
- In China alone, at least 5 million computers are discarded annually, with over 70% processed illegally—Netspring offers a cleaner, safer alternative.
- Micro solar power stations have been designed to supply energy to remote schools, powering not just classrooms but essential services like kitchens and sanitation.
The Green IT Classroom Program Explained
Netspring’s Green IT Classroom program is all about mobilizing key stakeholders—companies, institutions, universities—to donate their old computers for a three-year period. These computers are then refurbished and provided to schools lacking IT resources. At the end of the program, Netspring collects the computers back and ensures they are dismantled in certified factories, following environmentally friendly procedures. The program also includes opening ceremonies, volunteer activities, and team-building events to promote engagement among partner companies and local communities. Throughout the program’s duration, Netspring closely monitors the use of IT resources to make sure children truly benefit from them.
Addressing E-Waste Pollution
E-waste is a massive environmental challenge, often described as a toxic cocktail of pollutants. In China, illegal recycling vendors dismantle and burn over 70% of discarded computers, releasing harmful chemicals into the air, water, and soil. Netspring tackles this head-on by collecting e-waste and ensuring it is processed properly, avoiding the pollution caused by illegal facilities or landfill dumping. The scale of this problem is staggering—e-waste generated annually is equivalent to the weight of 5,000 Eiffel Towers, and it’s growing fast. By refurbishing PCs and promoting circular economy principles, Netspring not only reduces pollution but also conserves precious resources like water.
Innovations for Remote and Off-Grid Schools
Many of the schools Netspring supports are located in remote areas, far from reliable power grids. To overcome this, Netspring has designed micro solar power stations that provide the necessary energy not only for IT classrooms but also for vital school services such as kitchens, sanitation, and security lighting. This innovation ensures that the benefits of digital education reach even the most isolated communities, creating a more inclusive and sustainable learning environment.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Enhancing digital literacy and access to education for underprivileged children.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Promoting a circular economy through e-waste recycling and refurbishment.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Developing innovative solutions like micro solar power stations for remote schools.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Ensuring proper disposal and reuse of electronic waste.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Reducing pollution and conserving resources through sustainable e-waste management.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Mobilizing companies, institutions, and communities to collaborate on social and environmental impact.
The Social Enterprise Journey
Since its inception, Netspring has evolved into a leading social enterprise in Asia. After launching the pilot Green IT Classroom program in 2012, Netspring expanded its reach by establishing Shanghai Yiquan Social Enterprise in 2013 to support further development in China. The organization also introduced Special Needs Green IT Classrooms to support visually impaired students and strengthened its IT coding education through partnerships. The Covid-19 pandemic pushed Netspring to innovate further with the Teach the Teachers program and distance learning initiatives, ensuring education continuity despite challenges. Supported by the Embassy of France in China since 2019, Netspring continues to transform e-waste into e-education, making a real difference for thousands of children and the environment alike.
