In the midst of a pandemic, whilst organisations and individuals are re-thinking their ways of working and habits, we should take the opportunity to change our approach towards a more sustainable IT world.
Whilst technology and digital services may be part of the solution to a greener and more sustainable world, they are also a big part of the problem. From purchasing new devices every few years such as laptops, desktops or smartphones. to hosting multiple services that are no longer used – we are all consuming a lot of unnecessary energy.
For many, being ‘Green’ or sustainable has been somewhat of a tick-box exercise, a ‘to be seen as doing something’ activity, but it has not really been a part of many organisation’s core strategies. This may be because it is difficult to implement or not aligned from a commercial perspective. However, is this really the best and most responsible strategy?
Why you should adopt a greener approach moving forward:
- It could become your competitive advantage. Society is becoming more conscious of the environment. As such, potential clients and customers are actively seeking sustainable products and greener suppliers.
- Improve your ability to attract and retain staff, with skilled individuals who are more consciously selective when choosing their next employer
- Get ahead of the curve for upcoming legislation key examples are the UK government’s commitment to net zero carbon by 2050, the Greening Government Commitments 2020-2025, The UN Sustainable Development Goals and the 25 Year Environment Plan
- Reduce costs and your impact on the planet, if implemented correctly
To embark on a greener journey for your end user devices, you should investigate the following:
Whilst it may be natural to look for the lowest cost options when purchasing new kit, if the lifespan of a device is considered, a more expensive upfront device may become cheaper over time if it is expected to last longer. This reduces the refresh rate of devices, the amount that then needs to be recycled/disposed of and any subsequent costs for deployment.
Review and limit the types of devices you offer. Does an employee really need a desktop, laptop, smartphone and tablet? By limiting the choice, not only does waste reduce, but costs do as well.
Be transparent with your staff about the environmental impact of the devices they’re offered/using, the majority will seek the most sustainable options available (making your decisions even easier!).
By procuring locally, any energy related to travel and shipping can be reduced.
Audit what services and tools are being used. This could identify items that do not need to be powered on or refreshed as part of a cycle, leading to a reduction in energy usage and costs.
Choose partners and suppliers who are also committed to sustainability. This will help ensure your procurement and supply chain is as Green as possible.
By moving services to the cloud, fewer servers and less power will be consumed. Furthermore, it provides greater flexibility by allowing an increase or decrease in capacity at speed and without having to procure additional physical kit.
Implementing flexible working can impact you positively. Reducing the need for multiple devices, larger office space and even commuting reduces your carbon footprint as well as costs.
Train and educate your organisation so that they can ensure the green strategy is sustained and considered for all future decisions.
At Wavestone we are committed to helping our clients adapt so that they are ready for the challenges and opportunities of a very different working world.
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