1. What are some of the biggest misconceptions around using refurbished PCs in professional environments, especially for security-conscious industries?
A frequent misconception is that refurbished PCs are inherently less secure or reliable than brand-new devices. When sourced from trusted manufacturers like HP, refurbished systems undergo rigorous testing, sanitisation, and re-certification processes to meet the same standards as our new products.
HP’s Renew programme ensures that all refurbished devices are thoroughly inspected, including complete data sanitisation and hardware reconditioning. Many of these are originally business-grade models designed with robust, built-in security features. For industries such as finance, government, or healthcare — where compliance and data protection are critical — HP Renew systems deliver enterprise-grade security, BIOS-level protections, and full warranty support. Security is not compromised when refurbishment is done right.
2. How is the conversation around ‘responsible computing’ evolving among CIOs and sustainability officers in the UK and beyond?
We’re seeing a fundamental evolution in how organisations think about their technology lifecycle. CIOs and sustainability officers are increasingly aligned, recognising that responsible computing goes beyond energy efficiency — it’s about making smarter, more circular decisions throughout the product lifecycle.
In the UK and across EMEA, there’s growing emphasis on reducing Scope 3 emissions, extending hardware life, and integrating digital sustainability into broader ESG strategies. HP supports this shift with tools like our Sustainable Impact framework, which helps businesses measure and reduce the environmental impact of their IT operations.
Our customers are seeking IT solutions that are cost-effective and climate responsible. Circular models like HP Renew, which prioritise reuse over replacement, are becoming integral to future-ready IT strategies.
Explore HP’s Sustainable Impact
3. What kind of assurances do IT leaders look for when evaluating refurbished hardware from a data security and compliance standpoint?
Security and compliance are non-negotiable for IT leaders — especially when introducing refurbished devices into enterprise environments. Whether operating in highly regulated sectors like finance, healthcare, or government, or simply managing distributed teams at scale, organisations need confidence that every endpoint meets the same standards as new technology.
When considering refurbished hardware, the first assurance IT leaders look for is data integrity. That means ensuring all previously stored information is completely and irreversibly removed. At HP, our Renew programme follows a secure refurbishment process that includes complete data sanitisation, diagnostic testing, and a full reset to factory conditions — so organisations can be confident that devices are clean, secure, and ready for redeployment.
They also expect firmware and software consistency. Refurbished systems must support current enterprise tools, updates, and security patches. HP Renew devices are delivered with updated BIOS, drivers, and firmware, and are fully compatible with enterprise IT environments — allowing them to be managed just like new devices. Support and warranty coverage are equally important. Consumers and businesses want assurance that if something does go wrong, they have the same level of support as they would with new hardware.
Additionally, today’s IT leaders are shifting from reactive to proactive strategies. Tools like the HP Workforce Experience Platform (WXP) enable real-time visibility and control over device performance, usage, and user satisfaction — regardless of whether devices are new or refurbished. WXP offers AI-powered insights, predictive maintenance, and automated updates, all of which help maintain compliance, streamline operations, and enhance security.
At the heart of it, IT leaders want refurbished hardware to be secure, reliable, fully supported, and easy to manage — without creating exceptions in their policies or exposing the organisation to risk.
HP Workforce Experience Platform
HP’s security standards and data protection practices
4. How do extended lifecycle strategies — like post-warranty support or refurbishment — impact long-term technology planning for enterprises?
Sustainability has become a fundamental priority for businesses worldwide, and refurbished technology is one of the most practical and impactful ways organisations can advance their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments without sacrificing operational performance.
Through HP’s Renew programme, we provide business-grade devices that are carefully inspected, tested, and restored to meet the high standards of modern enterprises. These devices support the latest software and security requirements and come with full warranties and support services.
By extending the lifecycle of technology, companies reduce the demand for new device manufacturing, which significantly lowers carbon emissions and helps minimise electronic waste—key focus areas in HP’s broader sustainability efforts, including our commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across our value chain by 2040.
From a financial perspective, refurbished devices often come with a lower total cost of ownership compared to buying new hardware, enabling organisations to reduce capital expenditure while meeting their sustainability objectives, Refurbished technology also allows for greater flexibility in refresh cycles, enabling organisations to scale their device fleets more responsively based on actual business needs. At the same time, extending the life of IT assets helps reduce demand for raw materials and manufacturing energy, contributing to broader environmental goals.
HP Renew specifically supports companies in measuring and reducing their Scope 3 emissions — including those associated with supply chain and product use — empowering organisations to demonstrate real, data-driven progress against their climate and ESG targets.
- About Nancy Powell
- About HP
Nancy Powell is the UK&I Sustainability Lead at HP Inc. In this role, Nancy works with customers to help them prioritise sustainability throughout their operations in the UK and Ireland. Nancy is a core member of the EMEA Sustainability team at HP.
Nancy holds over 15 years of experience working in sustainability.
HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services, and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit: http://www.hp.com.
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