As environmental concerns continue to shape corporate strategies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) increasingly recognise the need to adopt more sustainable practices. How SMEs, in particular, manage their IT is critical due to its significant environmental impact through energy consumption, e-waste, and resource depletion.
Here are three effective steps to reduce your environmental footprint and embrace sustainability:
1. Opt for Remanufactured Equipment: the Sustainable Choice in Technology
Choosing remanufactured laptops and other devices is a smart move for several reasons:
- Cost-Effective: Remanufactured equipment can be up to 40% cheaper than new models, providing substantial savings.
- High Performance and Reliability: Despite being pre-owned, these devices are restored to their original specifications and undergo rigorous testing, ensuring they perform like new.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: The remanufacturing process uses significantly fewer resources. According to the United Nations University, the global carbon emissions from the production of new electronics exceeded 200 million tons in a recent year. By opting for remanufactured equipment, SMEs can help reduce this number considerably.
2. Implement Energy-Efficient Practices: Cut Costs and Carbon Footprint
Energy consumption in IT goes beyond just running the devices. Here’s how SMEs can optimise their energy use:
- Power Management: Implementing features like sleep mode on computers and other devices can reduce energy usage by up to 70%.
- Energy-Efficient Devices: Choosing devices that are ENERGY STAR or TCO certified can save an average of £30 in energy costs per device annually.
- Smart Infrastructure: Encouraging cloud computing and virtualisation can reduce server energy use by as much as 80%.
3. Recycle and Dispose Responsibly: Supporting the Circular Economy
Responsible disposal of IT equipment is vital for sustainability:
- E-Waste Management: In the UK, only about 45% of electronic waste is formally recycled. Partnering with certified e-waste recyclers can help increase this percentage and ensure toxic materials such as lead and mercury are properly handled.
- Support Recycling Programs: Engaging in recycling not only complies with environmental regulations but also recovers valuable rare earth materials like gold, silver, and platinum, reducing the need for new raw material extraction.
At ITGUYS, as a B-Corp, we are committed to leading by example in the realm of sustainable IT practices. We provide tailored solutions to help London-based SMEs transition to more environmentally friendly operations while enhancing their efficiency and reducing operational costs while still ensuring that they have the right support and freedom from the hassles of IT and cyber security.
Every step you take towards greening your IT practices contributes to a larger impact on our planet’s health and the future. Together, we can make a significant difference in the IT industry and beyond.
