Performance Metrics: Dell Computer Corporation

Dell Computer Corporation asserts a corporate responsibility philosophy geared towards “enabling human potential” through technology and making access to green technology easier for everyone, including the underprivileged (“Corporate responsibility,” 2012, para. 1-2). In order for this philosophy to result in meaningful practices and actions, it is necessary for Dell to utilize performance measures. As Epstein (2008) points out, “measurement is critically important because it links performance to the principles of sustainability and facilitates continuous improvement” (p. 164). Given the size and scope of Dell Computer Corporation, there are a multitude of relevant performance measures which could be used to assess the company’s sustainability practices and progress. However, two particular sustainability factors seem stand out with particular importance with regards to performance metrics at Dell. These two factors are the energy efficiency of Dell products and the recycling of used electronic products, including disposal of waste products and donation of used products to those in need.

Given the extensive use of technology in today’s world, the energy consumed by computers and other electronic devices is a concern. It is estimated that the IT industry is responsible for over two percent of the carbon dioxide emissions released globally; this is approximately equal to that of the airline industry (“Dell aims to prove,” 2008). Manufacturers such as Dell make powerful computer processors whose energy use far outpaces the improved usefulness of the processor (“Dell aims to prove,” 2008). In addition, consumers usually leave their PCs running and companies leave their servers running nearly all the time, wasting a great deal of ...

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Dell aims to prove energy promises are not just greenwash. (2008, March 31). Irish Times.

Dell blade servers: Reduce IT management costs and improve energy efficiency. (2012). Retrieved from http://content.dell.com/us/en/corp/d/corp-comm/dell-blade-efficiency.aspx

Electronics TakeBack Coalition. (2010). Electronics recycling report card grading for: Dell. Retrieved from http://www.electronicstakeback.com/wp-content/uploads/Report_Card_Grade_Oct2010_Dell.pdf

Epstein, M. J. (2008). Making sustainability work: Best practices in managing and measuring corporate social, environmental, and economic impacts. Sheffield, UK: Greenleaf Publishing.

Koch, W. T. (Dec. 19, 2011). More states ban disposal of electronics in landfills. USA Today.

Recycling. (2012). Retrieved from http://content.dell.com/us/en/corp/dell-environment-recycling.aspx