Why cloud computing is the only sustainable computing future

Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest-growing environmental issues in Cyprus and across the EU.

As a nation, Cyprus generated approximately 17.2 kg of e-waste per person in 2017, a figure that has since risen in line with increasing digitalization and higher hardware turnover rates. According to recent estimates, Cyprus now generates around 20,000 metric tons of e-waste per year (FastForward). Unfortunately, less than 40% of this e-waste is properly recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills or exported abroad at a significant cost (Eurostat).

At LoLa Cloud PCs, we are tackling this issue head-on. Our cloud-based computing model eliminates the need for frequent hardware upgrades and excessive energy consumption, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional computing. Based on our internal studies, widespread adoption of LoLa PC in Cyprus could reduce computer-related e-waste by up to 40% and cut annual e-waste generation by approximately 8,000 metric tons.

How LoLa PC Reduces E-Waste by 40%

1. No Need for Frequent Hardware Upgrades – Businesses and individuals using LoLa PC do not need to replace laptops or desktops every 3–5 years. Instead, they access high-performance virtual desktops from any device, extending the lifespan of existing hardware and reducing the need for new electronic purchases.
2. Centralized Cloud Processing – By shifting computing power to energy-efficient cloud data centres, LoLa PC lowers power consumption by reducing the need for high-end, high-energy-consuming devices.
3. Lower Carbon Footprint – A traditional high-performance PC consumes around 600 kWh per year (IEA). By contrast, LoLa PC users can reduce personal energy consumption by up to 80%, as processing is offloaded to data centres designed for optimal efficiency.

Economic Benefits: Saving Businesses and Households Millions

By reducing the need for frequent hardware upgrades, LoLa PC delivers substantial economic savings:

• For businesses: A typical company replacing 50 high-end workstations every 4 years at an average cost of €1,500 per workstation could save over €75,000 in capital expenditure over four years by switching to LoLa PCs.
• For households: An average consumer spends €800–€1,500 every 4–5 years on a new laptop. By switching to LoLa PC, consumers could save €250–€400 per year, while accessing better performance.

On a national scale, if just 20% of Cyprus’ workforce (around 80,000 workers) transitioned to LoLa PC, the economic benefits would include:

• €24–32 million saved annually in reduced hardware costs.
• €10–15 million saved in energy costs, as businesses and consumers shift to cloud-powered efficiency.
• €3–5 million in waste management cost reductions, as e-waste generation falls.

A Call for Action: Making Cyprus a Leader in Sustainable Computing

As Cyprus moves towards a greener economy, embracing cloud computing is not just an option—it’s a necessity. The European Commission’s Green Deal and Digital Decade Strategy call for sustainable digital solutions, and LoLa PC is aligned with this vision.

At LoLa Cloud PCs, we are committed to making high-performance computing sustainable, cost-effective, and accessible for everyone. It’s time for businesses, consumers, and policymakers to embrace the future of computing—one that is greener, smarter, and better for Cyprus.

*Roger Theophanous, CEO of LoLa Cloud PCs