March 2025.
From Farmhouse to Sustainable School
How the Independent School in Hinnerup integrates reuse and circular tech into everyday life.
Nestled in the village of Norring, just outside Hinnerup, you’ll find a unique independent school located in a former farmhouse from the 1860s. At the Independent School in Hinnerup, sustainability isn’t just an ambition – it’s a way of life. Sustainability is embedded in everything the school does, from teaching and cooking to IT procurement.
"We want children to develop an understanding of the nature, society, and world they live in. By equipping them with knowledge, insight, and self-esteem, we aim to empower them to actively engage with and improve their own lives and the lives of others."
/ Jeppe Smed, Principal.
This philosophy is evident across the entire school environment. There’s no asphalt in the schoolyard - instead, there are green spaces, vegetable gardens, and a chicken coop. The children help out in the kitchen, preparing meals with vegetables grown on-site and eggs from the school’s own hens - all guided by the principle of "from soil to table".
Reuse in practice – from furniture to devices
When it comes to making decisions, whether by the school leadership or the parent community, buying new is rarely the default. Everything from desks to IT equipment is assessed based on sustainability and long-term value.
"We choose secondhand and refurbished products because they often provide greater value for the students. But also because global responsibility and sustainability are core elements of our culture – influencing everything from parental involvement to day-to-day student life and leadership decisions."
Parents play an active role in the school’s operations. They’ve helped build the sports hall, the chicken coop, and even the zipline – and they are instrumental in shaping many of the school’s material choices. Reuse is not a compromise but a shared value. As Principal Jeppe Smed explains:
"Our focus on reuse at the Independent School in Hinnerup isn’t something parents have had to adjust to – it’s very much driven by their own priorities and actions."
Circular IT – a conscious decision
One area where reuse and quality go hand in hand is the school’s approach to IT. Rather than purchasing new devices, the school has chosen a circular IT solution: laptops from Teqcycle. These are professionally refurbished business-grade laptops that have been renewed, updated, and tested for premium quality – ready for educational use. Teqcycle devices meet the school’s high standards for warranty, reliability, and sustainability.
"IT is often one of the largest expenses in a school budget. But when we look at the direct value it brings to teachers and students, it’s not an area where we’re willing to compromise."
Choosing refurbished IT has proven both financially sound and ethically aligned. The school has purchased 50 Teqcycle laptops, now being used by both students and teachers.
"We didn’t compromise on quality – we saved money and made a globally responsible choice."
Sustainability is more than just CO2
Although circular tech solutions are often associated with large corporations and ESG requirements, the Independent School in Hinnerup believes that schools and institutions have a critical role to play in the green transition.
"Some of the sustainable choices we make cost more than the alternative. But every now and then, we find a sweet spot – where our commitment to global responsibility aligns with creating value for students and teachers, while also being a financially sensible decision."
The Teqcycle solution is one of those cases – where sustainability, budget, and performance come together.
Advice for other schools
For the Independent School in Hinnerup, sustainability isn’t about following trends – it’s about implementing solutions that work in practice, day after day, year after year.
"It's not enough to make a sustainable choice if it doesn’t add value in everyday life. It takes careful thought to find solutions that benefit the daily experience, align with our values, and are financially viable."
Their advice to other schools is clear: take a holistic view, remain critical, and seek solutions that align with both your values and your real-world needs.
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Sustainable IT solution
If your organization is in need of an IT solution that offers top-tier quality, warranty, and consistent supply – all while supporting your sustainability goals – we’re happy to connect you with one of our resellers who can help you get started with Teqcycle.