Our Carbon Impact

At STAND, we give prosthetic components a second life — helping people with limb differences while cutting waste. A positive step towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

Circular economy

Lifecycle analysis

Our emissions report

Explanation

Men from Cotswolds Mens Shed

We believe every industry has a responsibility to work towards zero waste and net-zero emissions, creating systems that value sustainability as much as functionality. At STAND, we’re proud to contribute to this vision within the prosthetics sector.

By giving prosthetic components a second life, we’re reducing waste and conserving resources — a small but impactful steps in a system that’s not yet perfect. While the journey toward zero waste and net zero is ongoing, our circular economy approach demonstrates what’s possible when innovation, collaboration and care come together. It’s a commitment to making progress in a way that supports people and respects the planet.

Circular Economy vs Linear Models

The Traditional Linear Model

Extracts finite raw materials, depleting natural resources

Generates high emissions during manufacturing and disposal

Relies on a one-way system—use, discard, and replace

Contributes to increasing landfill waste with limited reuse

The Circular Economy Approach

Extends the lifespan of prosthetic components through refurbishment

Reduces demand for virgin materials, lowering carbon emissions

Introduces a loop system—collect, restore, and reuse

Minimises waste while delivering high-quality devices to those in need

Lifecycle Emissions Analysis

CO₂e = Carbon dioxide equivalent

The STAND Model

2.23 kg CO₂e

(per kilogram of prosthetic
components)

New Materials Model

3.74 kg CO₂e

(per kilogram of prosthetic
components)

Total emissions saved in 2023:

5.716 tonnes CO₂e

(savings compared to producing components using new materials)

Download emissions report:

What does this mean?

These numbers show how much carbon is created in making one kilogram of parts for prosthetic legs using the two different models. Even though the New Materials Model doesn't count the carbon from transporting or manufacturing the parts, it still has a bigger carbon footprint than the STAND Model, which includes carbon from every step of the process, like making, moving, and throwing away the parts.

Important to note

Due to the incomplete nature of the information available, there is a degree of assumption that has to be made. When estimates or assumptions are required, we aim to underestimate the New Materials emissions and overestimate the STAND Model emissions. This increases confidence when making comparisons between the two models, and reduces the risk of greenwashing.

Our Environmental Impact in Action

The difference we’re making each year:

Driving Distance: 27,293 kilometres in an average petrol car (that’s like driving from Bristol to Edinburgh and back 21 times!).

Tree Planting: Matching the carbon absorption of 302 oak trees annually.

Energy Savings: Equivalent to powering six average UK homes for a year.

See our full impact report here

- how many people we've helped
- how many legs we've collected
- countries we operate in

Learn More

We're here to support you!

Let us know how we can support you. We’d love to hear from you!

Email giving@stand.ngo

Looking for answers? See our FAQ