Inspiration
When a device breaks, replacing it may seem easier than repairing it. Yet a replacement can use less electricity, while manufacturing it carries an upfront emissions cost. Second Turn makes those assumptions visible so people can explore that trade-off before deciding.
What it does
Second Turn compares repair and replacement using the user's estimates of upfront emissions, annual electricity use, electricity emissions factor and comparison period. It shows totals, their difference, and the point at which the estimates become equal, when one exists. A hypothetical ±20% stress test indicates whether the outcome changes across those assumed ranges. It also provides an actionable checklist and links to background sources.
Walkthrough
- Open the live demo and review the notice: starting values are invented examples, not measured product data.
- Enter the comparison period, grid factor and estimates for each option.
- Read the totals and try changing the period or energy use to see the trade-off.
- Inspect the stress test and open “Find estimates & take the next step” for guidance. Download the source and instructions from the page footer.
Method and limitations
Each total equals upfront emissions plus annual electricity use multiplied by the grid factor and years. Both options are assumed to provide equivalent service throughout the selected period without further repairs or replacements. Transport, disposal and other impacts need to be included in the estimates where known. The result is not a complete lifecycle assessment, the stress test is hypothetical rather than a measured confidence interval, and we have not measured real-world environmental savings. EPA's electronics stewardship guidance and Dell's example lifecycle report are linked from the demo for context, not as default values for a user's device.
How it was built
The prototype was created during the event using HTML, CSS and JavaScript, with AI coding assistance. Calculations run in the browser and the app does not send user inputs to a server. Automated calculation checks cover comparison, crossover, ties, invalid inputs and the stress test. Browser and user testing have not yet been completed.
Next steps
Potential improvements include sourced product-specific estimates, customizable uncertainty ranges, lifecycle coverage and testing with people making real repair decisions.
